November 5, 2026
AJC Philadelphia/Southern NJ is deeply grateful to the city officials, faith leaders, community partners, and allies who have spoken out forcefully against Sunday’s appalling effort to target Jewish- and Israeli-owned businesses. We have also heard from concerned people beyond our region who want these businesses and Philadelphia’s Jewish community to know that they are not alone.
This response matters. These businesses are our neighbors and friends and are part of the fabric of our community. Antisemitism does not affect only Jews. It erodes trust, weakens pluralism, and threatens the democratic values that allow people of every identity and belief to participate fully in civic life. Confronting it requires people of good conscience, across faiths, backgrounds, and political perspectives, to stand together.
AJC’s State of Antisemitism in America 2025 Report found that 55% of American Jews changed their behavior in the past year out of fear of antisemitism. No one should feel compelled to hide who they are, where they come from, what they believe, or the communities to which they belong.
“We will not accept a reality in which Jews feel they need to hide who they are or businesses are singled out because of the identity, heritage, or beliefs of their owners,” said Marcia Bronstein, Regional Director of AJC Philadelphia/Southern NJ. “What we have seen in response is Philadelphia at its best.”
We encourage Philadelphians to stand with these treasured local businesses, whether by patronizing them, purchasing a gift card, or simply letting them know they have your support.
Those who traffic in antisemitism and seek to intimidate Jews want Jewish people to feel isolated and unwelcome. They will fail this Sunday and on any other day. Hate and intimidation have no place in our city.
