Sabbath clashes over Jerusalem cafe expose Israel’s social fault lines
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has relied politically on ultra-Orthodox Jews for nearly two decades, and has helped the ultra-Orthodox exert growing clout.
In Jerusalem, tensions are rising over a cafe that remains open on the Sabbath, sparking clashes between ultra-Orthodox protesters and those who support its operation. Alma Ronen, a military veteran who has been serving for over two years, expresses frustration at her religious peers' opposition to the establishment. Since June, every week sees a gathering of dozens of ultra-Orthodox men and boys outside Cafe Basimta, a popular spot in central Jerusalem.
The protesters, clad in identical black suits, shout "Shabbat" and hurl insults as they approach the establishment, their faces contorted in anger and exaggeration. Their protests persist despite the cafe's location near their neighborhood, highlighting deep-seated social fault lines within Israeli society.
Written by urgent.news from Japan Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
