SCHNEIDER CONDEMNS TARGETED CAMPAIGN OF ANTISEMITISM IN PHILADELPHIA

WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the planned boycott targeting Jewish-owned businesses in Philadelphia on the eve of the 88th anniversary of Kristallnacht, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10), a Co-Chair of the Congressional Jewish Caucus, issued a forceful condemnation of this targeted campaign of antisemitism.  
 

“Eighty-eight years ago, on November 9, 1938, Nazi leaders launched a series of riots in Jewish communities throughout Germany. In what come to be known as Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass), Jewish-owned businesses were targeted and destroyed, while more than 1,400 synagogues were burned. It was a dark inflection point in the lead up to the Holocaust.
 

“Tomorrow’s Philly Bike On Your Left ‘boycott ride’ targeting Jewish-owned businesses is contemptible on any day, but especially on the eve of the anniversary of Kristallnacht. Targeting businesses simply because they are owned by Jews and singling out Jewish Americans to make them feel unwelcome and unsafe is neither reasonable nor justifiable protest. It is rank antisemitism, plain and simple.
 

“Our Constitution enshrines the right to free speech, including vile, hateful speech. It also protects to right to freely practice one’s religion without fear of discrimination or intimidation. We can vigorously defend both while at the same time resolutely standing against hate.
 

“I thank local leaders and law enforcement for taking proactive steps to protect Philadelphia’s Jewish community and ensure the safety of all residents.”