Penn. politicians condemn protest outside Jewish-owned business

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A protest outside a Jewish-owned business in Philadelphia prompted calls of anti-Semitism from pro-Israel supporters, including Pennsylvania’s governor.

After a crowd of pro-Palestinian protesters swarmed Goldie’s, an Israeli-style falafel spot in Philly’s Center City neighbourhood, on Friday night, chanting “Goldie, Goldie, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide,” Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a warning.

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“Tonight in Philly, we saw a blatant act of anti-Semitism — not a peaceful protest,” Shapiro posted on X alongside a video of the mob.

“A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli,” he continued. “This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history.”

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Shapiro added that he spoke with the chain’s owner, Mike Solomonov, and looks forward to “breaking bread there with them again soon.”

Other Pennsylvania politicians joined Shapiro in calling out the demonstrators’ anti-Semitic messaging.

“I can’t believe I even have to say this, but targeting businesses simply because they’re Jewish-owned is despicable,” Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) posted. “Philadelphia stands against this sort of harassment and hate.”

Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman added, “They could be protesting Hamas. They could be protesting Hamas’ systematic rape of Israeli women and girls, or demanding the remaining hostages be immediately released. Instead, they targeted a Jewish restaurant. It’s pathetic and rank anti-Semitism.”

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The protests were organized and led by the Philly Palestine Coalition, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Aside from incidents of graffiti calling for a “free Gaza,” the publication noted the night ended “largely without incident,” with no arrests made.

The group’s threats came on the same day students at the University of Pennsylvania called for an “intifada” — a violent uprising — against Israel and chanting for the “Intifada revolution.”

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