Haredi demonstrators, counterprotestors clash at sixth consecutive Shabbat protest of Basimta Cafe
Every weekend for the past six weeks, those who disapprove of the café being open on Shabbat have protested at the location, while supporters of the business held counterprotests.
For the sixth consecutive Saturday, a clash erupted between Haredi demonstrators and counterprotesters outside Jerusalem's Basimta Café. The café, owned by Yoel Ben David, has become a battleground in the ongoing dispute over the operation of businesses on the Jewish Sabbath. Protests against the café's weekend hours have taken place every week, with supporters gathering to back the business and its continuation.
This Saturday's protest saw support from prominent figures such as Democrats Party chairman Maj.-Gen. Yair Golan, Democrats Party CEO Omer Lubaton-Granot, and MK Meirav Cohen. Cohen, in a post on X/Twitter, expressed her admiration for Ben David's steadfastness in defending the values of freedom and liberalism. She thanked him for his determination in standing firm against the daily demonstrations outside his café.
During the protest, Haredi demonstrators were reported to have banged on the café's windows, while patrons of the business shouted "enlist, enlist" at the protesters. Yisrael Beiteinu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman attended the demonstration in solidarity with the café.
In an interview with Maariv, Ben David emphasized his respect for the religious community, stating that he wants both sides to be able to live in harmony. He expressed encouragement by the widespread support for his right to open the café on Shabbat, highlighting the unity between the religious and secular-liberal communities in the city.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
