Overview
- Reggie Jackson, the Hall of Famer born in Wyncote, posted on Saturday denouncing antisemitism in the Philadelphia area and likening it to the segregation he faced in the 1960s.
- In his post Jackson cited Anti-Defamation League figures showing 465 antisemitic incidents in Pennsylvania in 2024, including 189 in Philadelphia and 51 in Montgomery County, and asked elected and community leaders to speak plainly against hate.
- Jackson’s comments came as activist groups including Philly Bike On Your Left planned a bicycle 'boycott ride' in Rittenhouse Square described by organizers as targeting businesses they associate with support for Israel and scheduled near the Kristallnacht anniversary.
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, State Attorney General Dave Sunday and ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt publicly condemned the planned ride as singling out Jewish identity and urged steps to protect Jewish-owned businesses.
- Jackson’s intervention has increased public attention on safety and could push officials to act, with ADL data showing a 2024 rise in incidents followed by a 2025 decline and surveys reporting many Jewish Americans worry about their personal safety.