STATE REPRESENTATIVE JARED SOLOMON STATEMENT ON EXCLUSION OF ISRAELI FOOD TRUCK AT COMMUNITY EVENT

"The decision to uninvite an Israeli food truck, Moshava, to an event celebrating diversity is inexcusable and further promotes division.

As a lawmaker, lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia, and member of the Jewish community, I know the tireless work many do daily to ensure the Northeast not only tolerates but embraces diversity. Eat Up the Border and Sunflower Philly — the organizers of the event who uninvited Moshava — are organizations that are supposed to do this very work. Their decision to exclude Moshava is destructive to their work, our community, and the families of immigrants. I denounce the decision to uninvite Moshava. I urge event organizers and other vendors to condemn the alleged threats and any other claims that target any group. I call on them to advocate for the rights of all businesses, including Moshava.

Furthermore, I have contacted law enforcement to discuss the situation.

The fabric of Northeast Philadelphia is composed of people from countless origins. To exclude any business or individual based on their heritage is hateful and harmful. We must look for ways to uplift and celebrate our diversity, not further sew division. ” - Jared Solomon, State Representative, Pennsylvania’s 202nd District