Haredi protesters block Jerusalem cafe amid ongoing months-long dispute over Shabbat opening
This marks the eighth consecutive week of protests. Several MKs, including Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman, have joined counterprotests in previous weeks.
Haredi protesters erected barriers in front of Jerusalem's Basimta Cafe on Saturday morning to voice their opposition to the establishment's Saturday opening, according to security footage shared by N12 News. This marks the eighth week of continuous protests by Haredi demonstrators against the cafe's Saturday operations. Earlier this week, Israel Police apprehended a 75-year-old individual for allegedly spray-painting graffiti on the cafe, tossing garbage at it, and tampering with its lock.
The protests commenced on Saturday, July 4, with numerous Haredi protesters of various ages converging on the cafe in four distinct groups, encircling the structure, striking its windows, and overturning tables. The cafe is owned by Jews for Jesus, a prominent organization within the Messianic Jewish movement that advocates for Jesus' divinity while maintaining a distinct Jewish identity.
Several political figures have joined counterprotests in recent weeks, including Yair Golan, CEO Omer Lubaton Granot, and MK Meirav Cohen. Cohen criticized the ongoing dispute, recounting how the cafe owner, Yoel Ben David, was offered money to close the cafe on Shabbat, which he declined. Cohen expressed support for the cafe owner, stating that Jerusalem and Israel belong to everyone, emphasizing the cafe's quality coffee.
Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman also rallied in support of the cafe owners, urging Haredi men to fulfill their military service obligations instead of protesting peaceful citizens.
Written by urgent.news from Jerusalem Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
