A protest in Philadelphia organized by leftist and Islamist groups is set to target Jewish-owned businesses, including restaurants, by identifying and demonstrating outside them, according to commentary by Victor Davis Hanson published by the Daily Signal. The event coincides with the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi pogrom against Jews in Germany and Austria.
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The demonstration has sparked concern that open antisemitism is becoming more visible and tolerated in the United States, with critics warning of potential harassment and violence if law enforcement is insufficient.
Hanson draws a parallel between the planned protest and Kristallnacht, describing the latter as a turning point in Nazi Germany when Jewish businesses and synagogues were attacked, hundreds were killed, and thousands sent to camps. He argues that the Philadelphia event is motivated by animosity toward Jews, regardless of their views on Israel, and takes place at a time when public discourse on antisemitism has become more permissive.
Protest Details and Organizers
According to Hanson, the Philadelphia protest is organized by "a lot of leftist groups and mostly, to be honest, socialist Islamicist groups." The stated plan is to ride bicycles through downtown Philadelphia, identify Jewish-owned stores and restaurants, and demonstrate outside them. Hanson warns that "who knows what level of violence will occur unless there’s sufficient law enforcement."
He asserts that the protestors are targeting businesses solely because they are Jewish-owned, not based on the owners' positions on Israel. "They have no idea whether the owners of these restaurants are pro or against Israel. It has nothing to do with—it has everything to do with they’re Jewish," Hanson said.
Political Figures and Public Statements
Hanson also criticizes recent political rhetoric, referencing Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect from Michigan, and Hasan Piker, a political commentator. Hanson claims that an ad run by Piker during El-Sayed's campaign blamed Jews, Zionists, and Israel for rising food prices, which he calls "a complete lie" given the scale of U.S. aid to Israel relative to the federal budget.
He further alleges that Piker stated Jews who support Israel would be targeted, and argues that such statements contribute to an environment where antisemitic actions are more likely. Hanson contends that "if you elect a senator who has an ad and he won’t disavow it, and it’s clearly antisemitic... what do you expect will happen? And now we’re out in the open."
"And the idea now that we hate Jews, and we hate a democratic Israel, and we have not just a desire to go out and target stores in Philadelphia, we have a desire to do it on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, one of the most reprehensible and shameful episodes in the West."
— Victor Davis Hanson, historian and commentator
Comparisons and Broader Context
Hanson contrasts Israel’s treatment of minorities and dissent with that of Arab countries, arguing that Israel is the region’s only democracy and a free society. He notes that after Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza in 2005, Jews were not allowed to live there, while Israel continued to provide utilities and trade to Gaza. Hanson claims that in Israel, public criticism of the government is tolerated, whereas in some Arab countries, dissent can lead to imprisonment, exile, or violence.
He also references the popularity of the Israeli television show "Fauda" in Arab countries, suggesting that its nuanced portrayal of both Israelis and Palestinians is only possible in a free society like Israel.
Responses and Unaddressed Criticism
The Daily Signal commentary does not include responses from the Philadelphia protest organizers or from Abdul El-Sayed and Hasan Piker regarding the allegations of antisemitism. Supporters of the protest have not publicly addressed the criticism that the event targets Jewish businesses regardless of their owners’ political views.
The protest is scheduled to take place in Philadelphia on the anniversary of Kristallnacht, with observers warning that the event’s tone and timing could further inflame tensions around antisemitism in the United States.
