John Fetterman Condemns Philadelphia Jewish Restaurant Attack: 'Pathetic'

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman slammed demonstrators who swarmed around an Israeli-owned restaurant in protest over the conflict in the Middle East, branding the incident "pathetic and rank antisemitism."

The politician was adding his voice to a chorus of outrage sparked by the targeting of Goldie falafel restaurant on Sansom Street in Philadelphia on Sunday. Pro-Palestine demonstrators waved flags and chanted: "Goldie, Goldie you can't hide, we charge you with genocide."

On October 7, the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing at least 1,200 and taking over 200 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared war against Hamas and launched a series of deadly strikes. As of Monday, over 15,000 people have been killed in Gaza, the Associated Press reported, citing the Gaza Health Ministry.

Sunday's protest came after a week-long ceasefire ended on Friday. During this period, Hamas released over 100 hostages, and humanitarian aid was allowed into the territory. Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners, according to the AP. Fighting has now resumed.

Fetterman shared footage of the incident in Philadelphia on X, formerly Twitter, and wrote: "They could be protesting Hamas. They could be protesting Hamas' systematic rape of Israeli women and girls or demanding the remaining hostages be immediately released. Instead, they targeted a Jewish restaurant. It's pathetic and rank antisemitism."

His post, uploaded on Monday, was shared more than 1,300 times within a couple of hours. Hundreds of people commented and shared their views on the subject.

Some argued the protesters had a right to demonstrate. But many of the comments appeared to agree with Fetterman by alleging the attack was antisemitic and questioned why protesters would target a Philadelphia falafel restaurant and intimidate diners over the conflict.

Sunday's march was organized by the Philly Palestine Coalition, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. The group reportedly called for a boycott of "Zionist"-owned businesses in the city, including Goldie locations and others owned by chef Michael Solomonov.

Newsweek reached out to the group for comment via direct message on Monday. Newsweek also reached out to Solomonov by email through his company on Monday.

The United States has seen clashes at demonstrations, and rallies at American universities, as protesters from both sides face off against each other. There have also been anti-Muslim attacks and antisemitic attacks stemming from the violence thousands of miles away.

It is not the first time Fetterman has commented on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Last month, a photo of the senator draped in an Israel flag went viral online after he was pictured attending a pro-Israel demonstration of almost 300,000 people on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

In October, just days after the initial Hamas attack, Fetterman said: "I unequivocally support any necessary military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to Israel. The United States has a moral obligation to be in lockstep with our ally as they confront this threat. I also fully support Israel neutralizing the terrorists responsible for this barbarism."

His stance proved controversial with some, including in his home state Pennsylvania.

PennLive published an op-ed last month criticizing the Democratic senator over his support for Israel, calling his position "disturbing." The piece, written by Mireille Rebeiz, the chair of Middle East Studies and Associate Professor at Dickinson College, suggested that Fetterman was "supporting the practices of a foreign government" she described as "far right" and added: "Furthermore, many voices are calling for a ceasefire and expressing deep concerns over the atrocities committed in Gaza."

The Washington Examiner took a different view. Writer Kimberly Ross called his support for Israel "courageous." Her piece added: "When it comes to standing against antisemitism, he has been a breath of fresh air."

Update 12/04/23, 11:02 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.