Philadelphia Business Boycott Plan Draws Antisemitism Condemnation
A demonstration planned around the anniversary of Kristallnacht carries a particular historical weight. In Philadelphia, allegations about the protest have stirred concern well beyond the people expected to attend.
Here is the situation
The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission said organizers of a planned November 8 Philadelphia boycott ride had identified Jewish-owned and Israeli-associated businesses. The commission warned that targeting Jewish-owned establishments with demands that they leave the city was discriminatory. The date falls on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht, the 1938 Nazi campaign of violence against Jewish communities.
The bigger picture
Political protest and criticism of government policies are protected expression; threatening or excluding people because of their religion or identity is a separate matter. The demonstration had not occurred as of this report.
What happens next
The anniversary is a reminder of why threats directed at Jewish communities must be taken seriously—and why the details of any specific protest matter. Tex will keep you updated on this story right here at Texas News Studio.
Primary reference: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/phrc/phrc-news---information/newsroom/phrc-condemns-targeting-of-jewish-owned-businesses-in-philadelph