Protest outside Israeli-style restaurant Goldie condemned as ‘blatant act of antisemitism’
PHILADELPHIA - A pro-Palestinian rally in Philadelphia is being condemned for its alleged "antisemitism" by city, state and federal officials as video of the controversial incident emerged over the weekend.
"Tonight in Philly, we saw a blatant act of antisemitism — not a peaceful protest," Gov. Shapiro said in a tweet Sunday. "A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history."
Hundreds of protesters with "The Philadelphia Free Palestine Coalition" marched through the streets of Philadelphia Sunday night, eventually gathering on Samson Street outside "Goldie," a popular falafel restaurant co-owned by Israeli chef Michael Solomonov.
Video shows protesters outside Israeli-style restaurant Goldie in Philadelphia. (Jordan/ X)
Video shows the crowd repeatedly shouting chants as they waved Palestinian flags.
The "Flood Philly for Gaza" rally has sparked responses from the city's mayor, several Pennsylvania officials, as well as a statement from the White House.
"I can’t believe I even have to say this, but targeting businesses simply because they’re Jewish owned is despicable. Philadelphia stands against this sort of harassment and hate," said U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle.
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Sen. John Fetterman called the protesters out for targeting a Jewish restaurant with "pathetic and rank antisemitism."
"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," Fetterman said.
The White House stood with Gov. Shapiro in condemning the events that unfolded Sunday night.
"It is antisemitic and completely unjustifiable to target restaurants that serve Israeli food over disagreements with Israeli policy, as Governor Shapiro has underlined. This behavior reveals the kind of cruel and senseless double standard that is a calling card of Antisemitism."
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney says the city is currently "reviewing" the incident.
"While the City of Philadelphia will always protect free speech and peaceful protest, we must stand united against acts of hate and bias," Kenney said.
Solomonov announced in October that some of his restaurants were raising money for a non-proft that provides emergency medical service for those injured in Israel during the war. According to his Instagram, they were able to raise over $100,000.
Goldie reopened at 11 a.m. Monday and was quickly packed with customers who showed up to support the restaurant after hearing about the protest.
Goldie was not the only property on the block impacted, as officials say ‘Free Palestine’ was also spray painted on a Jewish enrichment center for kids.