State Senator Sharif Street condemned an antisemitic rally in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square organized by the Philly Palestine Coalition, saying his identity as an American Muslim compelled him to denounce Hamas and calls to glorify violence. Protesters reportedly chanted slogans praising a deceased Hamas spokesman and called for "martyrdom" and "intifada." Street’s remarks echoed other Pennsylvania leaders who said the demonstration crossed the line from protest to incitement. Local officials from both parties warned that such rhetoric risks encouraging violence and undermines community safety.
Pa. State Senator Sharif Street Condemns Antisemitic Rittenhouse Square Rally Praising Hamas
State Sen. Sharif Street speaks at a protest for Meek Mill.(Getty Images)
A prominent Pennsylvania Democrat, State Senator Sharif Street, publicly condemned an antisemitic demonstration that filled Philadelphia's Rittenhouse Square over the weekend, saying his faith and civic responsibility compelled him to speak out.
The rally, organized by a group calling itself the Philly Palestine Coalition, drew a crowd that chanted slogans reported by the Jewish News Service, including "Abu Obeida Lives" — a reference to a deceased Hamas spokesman. At least one speaker reportedly praised "martyrdom" as a principle and others called for an "intifada."
Strong Personal Statement
"I forcefully condemn the antisemitic rally that took place today in Rittenhouse Square," Street said in a statement. "As an American Muslim, I feel compelled to say that Hamas is a terrorist organization and should be condemned — not glorified." He warned that calls for violence on Philadelphia streets do not advance peace and instead set it back.
The Liberty Bell, originally saved from the British by Lynnport farmer Frederick Leaser, sits in its Philadelphia shrine.
"Hate cannot drive out hate — only love can do that," Street quoted from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., urging residents to oppose rising extremism and work toward safety for all communities.
Context And Responses
Street's remarks echoed comments from Gov. Josh Shapiro, who has previously condemned antisemitic incidents at the University of Pennsylvania. Street also referenced recent violent episodes — including the reported firebombing at Shapiro’s official Harrisburg residence and mass shootings at a Pittsburgh synagogue and an AME church in Charleston — to emphasize that elected officials must "unequivocally condemn antisemitism, racism and hate in all its forms."
Street, the first Muslim elected to the Pennsylvania Senate, is running to succeed retiring Rep. Dwight Evans. He is the son of former Philadelphia Mayor John Street and the nephew of the late activist and former State Senator T. Milton Street.
Other local leaders reacted strongly. State Rep. Chris Rabb was quoted making a blunt criticism of AIPAC in an interview, while Republican state Rep. Martina White — speaking on behalf of herself, Minority Leader Jesse Topper and GOP leadership — called the Rittenhouse Square scene "overt hate heading toward acts of terrorism against our Jewish neighbors." Their joint statement criticized demonstrators for hanging effigies of Israeli soldiers and framing violent acts as martyrdom-style attacks, saying such behavior crosses the line from civil protest to a call for violence.
The Philly Palestine Coalition did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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