Pa. gov rips protesters who mobbed Jewish-owned falafel shop to harass owner: ‘Blatant act of antisemitism’

A horde of pro-Palestinian protesters spewing hateful threats at a Jewish-owned falafel shop in Philadelphia was put on notice by Pennsylvania’s governor after their “blatant act of antisemitism.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s rebuke came after dozens of enraged protesters marched on Goldie’s — an Israeli-style falafel spot located in Center City — on Sunday night, surrounding the storefront while chanting, “Goldie, Goldie, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”

Shapiro shared the video of the mob while condemning their brazen threats.

“Tonight in Philly, we saw a blatant act of antisemitism — not a peaceful protest,” Shapiro posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“A restaurant was targeted and mobbed because its owner is Jewish and Israeli. This hate and bigotry is reminiscent of a dark time in history.”

The Philadelphia chain is owned by Mike Solomonov, an Israeli-born citizen raised in Pittsburgh, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Shapiro said he has “communicated” with Solomonov following the terrifying scene, saying he and his wife Lori “look forward to breaking bread there with them again soon.”

Other Pennsylvania politicians joined Shapiro in calling out the group’s antisemitic chants.

“I can’t believe I even have to say this but targeting businesses simply because they’re Jewish-owned is despicable. Philadelphia stands against this sort of harassment and hate,” Rep. Brendan Boyle posted on X.

Shapiro shared the video of the mob while condemning their brazen threats. @thatJVG / X
The Philadelphia chain is owned by Mike Solomonov, an Israeli-born citizen raised in Pittsburgh. Google St View

“I support freedom of speech but harassing business owners simply because they are Jewish is unacceptable and deeply anti-Semitic,” Center City’s incumbent Rep. Ben Waxman added.

“Protestors [sic] should leave these establishments alone and focus on government officials who actually have power to influence the situation in Israel and Gaza.”

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Philadelphia Sunday night to voice their support for Gaza while demanding a permanent cease-fire after Hamas terrorists and Israel were not able to extend their truce agreement on Friday.

Owner of Goldie’s Mike Solomonov was contacted by Gov. Shapiro after the protestors targeted his business. Getty Images

The protests were organized and led by the Philly Palestine Coalition, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Disruptors within the protest also allegedly tried to pester fans watching the Philadelphia Eagles game in local bars, screaming, “While you’re watching, bombs are dropping.”

The mob’s threats come on the same day students at the nearby University of Pennsylvania called for an “intifada” — a violent uprising — against Israel.

A clip shared by @StopAntisemitism on X shows hundreds of protestors marching on the Ivy League institution campus, chanting for the “Intifada revolution.”

During the march, protesters accused Penn, Drexel University, and Swarthmore College of being complicit in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The original intifada is the name given to a Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which began in 1987.

On Sunday night, hundreds of protestors marched on the Ivy League institution campus, chanting for the “Intifada revolution.” @ChayaRaichik10 / X
Protesters accused Penn of being complicit in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. @ChayaRaichik10 / X

The University of Pennsylvania has been under constant fire from critics since the Oct. 7 attack on Isreal by Hamas terrorists for their lack of response to the rampant antisemitism taking place on their campus.

In mid-November, anti-Jewish slogans were projected onto three of the school’s buildings.

“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” read one message lit up against the John M Huntsman hall.

“Zionism is racism,” another declared.

“Penn funds Palestinian genocide,” a third said.

UPenn president Liz Magill said “a full investigation” was launched following the “vile, antisemitic messages” projected on the buildings and that the University would pursue the matter to the “fullest extent and take swift action in accordance with our policies.”

The school has since increased security on campus and contacted the FBI after a string of reports of threats against Jewish students.

Despite UPenn’s efforts, Jewish students at the University told The Post in November that the atmosphere on campus has been “really scary,” with one claiming Jewish students have been continually harassed on campus and subjected to chants in support of Hamas’ violence.

A light show at the campus beamed hateful messages on the building in support of Palestine. Police Free Penn
The university notified the FBI of the potential hate crime and is investigating the threats. Police Free Penn

The prestigious University is now facing civil rights complaints as it is accused of being a “magnet for anti-Semites.”

The Brandeis Center, a nonprofit civil rights organization, said it was filing complaints against UPenn with the Office of Civil Rights in the US Department of Education for allowing “its campus to become a hostile environment for its Jewish students as well as a magnet for anti-Semites.”

The complaints “seek immediate and specific action to address increasing discrimination against and harassment of Jews in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” a statement from the human rights nonprofit read.