Pro-Palestinian protesters in Philadelphia targeted an Israeli-owned restaurant, accusing the chef of genocide amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. The incident took place on Sunday night, December 3, 2023, when a large group of demonstrators surrounded Goldie, a falafel shop co-owned by Israeli chef Michael Solomonov. The protesters vandalized the establishment and shouted accusations of genocide. Video footage of the incident was shared by the state’s governor, sparking criticism from other officials.
The demonstration was part of a larger march calling for a cease-fire in Gaza. Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Philadelphia, with some specifically targeting Israeli-owned businesses. The University of Pennsylvania Division of Public Safety reported that other facilities, including TD Bank and Starbucks, were also vandalized during the protest.
TD Bank has previously made donations towards humanitarian aid efforts in the Middle East, while Starbucks faced backlash from Palestinian supporters after a pro-Palestinian post tarnished its brand. However, both companies have stated that they are non-political organizations and do not provide financial support to the Israeli government or military.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the protesters, describing their actions as a blatant act of antisemitism. He expressed support for Solomonov and his team at Goldie. The White House also issued a statement denouncing the targeting of restaurants serving Israeli food over disagreements with Israeli policy, calling it antisemitic and unjustifiable.
Similar protests have taken place in Philadelphia throughout the Israel-Hamas war. On October 17, another sizable gathering occurred after an explosion at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza resulted in multiple casualties. While Hamas initially claimed the explosion was caused by an Israeli airstrike, the Biden administration later debunked this claim, citing intelligence that showed it was a misfired rocket from Gaza.
The incident in Philadelphia highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the polarization of opinions on the matter. As protests continue to take place, it is essential to address these issues in a peaceful and constructive manner, respecting the rights and beliefs of all parties involved.
