Philadelphia boycott ride targeting Jewish-owned restaurants sparks backlash

Tensions flared in a Philadelphia neighborhood Sunday after a bike ride organized to boycott several Jewish-owned restaurants sparked overwhelming backlash from the city's Jewish and pro-Israel communities. The "boycott ride" targeted at least six restaurants in Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square, labeling them "Zionist establishments" and calling for them to leave, according to pro-Palestinian group Philly Bike On Your Left, which organized the event. As riders cycled through the streets waving Palestinian flags, hundreds of Jewish and pro-Israel community members turned out to oppose the demonstration, with heated exchanges unfolding across several city blocks. Dozens of diners also lined up outside the targeted restaurants in a show of solidarity with the Jewish-owned businesses.