Philly community marks Kristallnacht in wake of weekend boycott

Standing up against anti-Semitism, tonight, the Jewish community rallied following this weekend's highly criticized protest against Jewish-owned businesses near Rittenhouse Square. Well, tonight, they also marked the anniversary of Kristallnacht, which was a widespread attack in Nazi Germany almost 90 years ago. Action News reporter Caroline Goggin is at the Holocaust Memorial on the Parkway with more. One of the rabbis who organized this memorial says they usually recognize this night at events at synagogues across the city. But in light of what happened to the city of Philadelphia this weekend, they decided to gather in this spot to be united as a community. Thank you. here to remember. It has been called a major prelude to the Holocaust. On this day, 88 years ago in Europe, a wave of violence broke out. Terror was unleashed at Jewish businesses. Synagogues were burned to the ground. Tonight at Philadelphia's Holocaust Memorial Plaza, people came together to reflect on Kristallnacht. We gather to partner in solidarity. Leaders of various faiths spoke to the crowd, as did Stacey Seltzer and her mother, Evelyn Lipschutz. Her father was a Holocaust survivor. He always told us these stories and we thought this can never happen here. This night just means so much, especially with everything that happened this past weekend. Yesterday, a boycott bike ride targeted six Jewish-owned businesses near Rittenhouse Square. Demonstrators said they were riding in support of Palestinians. Boycotting businesses they say support Israel. Here we go. The boycott drew counter-protesters. People lined up outside of those businesses to show support. While Philadelphia police tried to separate the two sides, emotions ran high. Leading to several clashes and several arrests. More than 24 hours later on what is often referred to as the Night of Broken Glass. People made mosaic art from shattered glass. After the commemoration, we spoke with Peter Shahada, whose grandfather came to the U.S. from Palestine many years ago. When my grandfather first came here, they hated Palestinians, and he suffered through that. I have a Jewish wife. I'm especially offended when there's any anti-Semitism. So I hope that this will go a long way. Securing this problem during Sunday's boycott, one teenager and two adults were arrested for assault and disorderly conduct. We are told that another boycott bike ride is planned for next weekend along the parkway. I'm Caroline Goggin, Channel 6 Action News.