By The Midtown Times Staff
PHILADELPHIA — Demonstrators supporting and opposing a boycott of several Jewish-owned restaurants gathered near Rittenhouse Square on Sunday, where heated exchanges and a physical confrontation drew a police response.
Participants waved Palestinian and Israeli flags as officers formed a line between the groups ahead of a planned bike ride promoting the boycott. Police intervened during at least one altercation. Authorities said three people were arrested: a woman accused of assault, a man charged with disorderly conduct and a 17-year-old accused of assaulting an officer.
Two Philadelphia officers sustained minor injuries while making an arrest, according to a police spokesperson. Officials did not immediately release further details about the incidents.
Despite the boycott effort, some of the restaurants named by organizers had long lines during the event.
