Door to Jerusalem cafe open on Shabbat vandalized as Haredim protest for 7th week

A door to a Jerusalem cafe that operates on Shabbat was found vandalized early Saturday morning, marking the seventh consecutive week of protests by ultra-Orthodox Haredi demonstrators against the establishment. The incident occurred near the Basimta cafe in central Jerusalem, which has been at the center of a growing conflict between religious and secular communities over the observance of the Sabbath. The protest took place as part of a weekly demonstration organized by Haredi groups, who oppose the cafe’s operation on the Jewish day of rest. Dozens of ultra-Orthodox men gathered outside the venue, chanting slogans related to Shabbat observance. They were met by counter-protesters affiliated with the Pink Front organization, who held signs advocating for the right to enjoy coffee on the Sabbath, including one that referenced a phrase used during earlier protests against mandatory military service for Haredi men. Police officers stood between the two opposing groups, ensuring the demonstration remained peaceful. There were no reports of arrests or injuries during the event. According to security footage shared by Israeli media, the entrance to the cafe had been blocked overnight by an individual who appears to have glued the lock shut. This act caused a delay in the cafe’s opening, forcing staff to wait nearly 40 minutes before they could access the premises. The person responsible for the vandalism was captured on camera wearing a hat and a face mask to obscure their identity. The footage showed the individual applying adhesive to the lock, an action that drew attention from local authorities and raised questions about the motives behind the sabotage. The incident adds to a series of disruptions faced by the cafe since its recent opening. Political figures have weighed in on the situation, with Yesh Atid member of Knesset Vladimir Beliak visiting the cafe to show solidarity. He emphasized the importance of preserving a liberal public space in Jerusalem, stating that residents should have the right to both observe Shabbat and engage in secular activities on the day of rest. Similarly, MK Avigdor Liberman, leader of the right-wing Yisrael Beytenu party, voiced his support for the cafe, highlighting the principle of personal freedom and non-coercion. The controversy surrounding Basimta has intensified due to its association with Jews for Jesus, a Christian missionary group that aims to convert Jews to Christianity. The cafe’s owner, Yoel Ben David, is a senior figure within the organization. This connection has sparked concern among some secular supporters, leading to actions such as Hapoel Jerusalem withdrawing an advertising deal for the cafe, despite continuing to back its right to operate. The ongoing disputes reflect deeper societal divisions in Israel, particularly regarding the role of the Haredi community in national life and issues such as military service. These tensions have manifested in multiple protests and confrontations, with the Basimta cafe serving as a focal point for these conflicts. As the situation continues to unfold, the future of the cafe and the broader implications for communal relations remain uncertain.