Massive counter-protests met 'bike boycott' in Rittenhouse Square

Tensions running high in Rittenhouse Square today among hundreds of protesters after a planned bike boycott targeting Jewish-owned businesses is met with backlash. Let's go live to Dylan Scott tonight in Rittenhouse Square, where a tense day resulted in multiple arrests and even police officers injured. Dylan? Yeah, Jeff, good evening. Now, on the eve of Kristallnacht, the Jewish community coming out in large force against this bicycle boycott, saying simply hate has no place here in Rittenhouse Square or in Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Philadelphia police doing their part to protect the First Amendment at all levels and those who chose to come out and peacefully assemble. It was an emotionally charged afternoon in Rittenhouse Square as members of the local Jewish community and Philly Bike on Your Left organization came face-to-face during Sunday's boycott ride of Jewish and Israeli businesses. We don't want to repeat what happened in the 30s and 40s. And that is what we're saying and that is what we're supporting. It's okay to agree to disagree. It's not okay to hurt. It's not okay to destroy. On the eve of Kristallnacht, or the Night of Broken Glass, when local Jewish-German businesses were targeted and destroyed as a moment leading up to the Holocaust, local and state leaders from Mayor Sherelle Parker to Governor Josh Shapiro condemned the protest, calling it anti-Semitic. In an attempt to intimidate six local businesses, the organization says has been aiding Israeli military actions in Gaza, also claiming the day was randomly selected. That's hate, that's bias, that's an attempt to intimidate, and it has no place anywhere. Go to a consulate, go to an embassy, voice your opinion there, but don't do it in front of Jewish-owned businesses. Philadelphia police monitored the approximately two-hour-long boycott, which featured hundreds of people and three total arrests. Including two for assault, one on an officer, and a disorderly conduct charge. Two PPD members did sustain minor injuries. No property damage was reported. The climate's changing. It's more, it's easier to do these kind of things than it was years ago. And I don't know what the problem is. He's a Jewish business. He's not an Israeli. I don't know what's wrong. You know, like, why him? Despite the tension, there were also plenty of moments of togetherness and community support. Lines wrapping around the block of these establishments with the idea of lifting up these local businesses that were highlighted in the boycott. It's a beautiful show of support, and it's selfless, and we appreciate it. There might be hope for us after all. Now back out here live Philly bike on your left did not speak to media today, but did issue a statement saying they are planning another protest that is set for next Sunday. When we get further details, we will let you know. Reporting live in Rittenhouse Square, Dylan Scott, Fox 29 News.