Sabbath cafe clash lays bare Israel faultlines
JERUSALEM, Aug 18 — Alma Ronen has been fighting in the Israeli military nearly constantly for more than two...
Jerusalem's central cafe, Cafe Basimta, has become a battleground for Israel's deep-seated ideological faultlines. Every Saturday, ultra-Orthodox Jews protest the cafe's Sabbath-opening, citing religious law that bans work and commerce on their day of rest. The cafe's owner, a supporter of proselytizing Christianity to Jews, maintains the establishment's identity is irrelevant to customers.
The conflict reflects growing tension between secular and religious Israeli society, with secular Israelis resentful that ultra-Orthodox Jews enjoy stipends for religious study and exemptions from military service, while the latter face criticism for not sharing the burden of defending their country. The ultra-Orthodox, clutching their black suits and protesting with a "Shabbat!" chant, feel their lifestyle is under attack.
Meanwhile, secular Israelis counter-protest, blow whistles to drown out chants, and wear pink lapel buttons showing a middle finger. The conflict exposes the broader political divide as Israelis prepare for October 27 elections that will likely see Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government continue.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
