Jerusalem Cafe May Close on Saturdays Amid Religious Protests

The "B'Smeta" cafe in Jerusalem is expected to close on Saturdays after two months of escalating protests, which have included violence and vandalism. The management of the cafe, operated by the "Jews for Jesus" association, has decided that the weekend operations have turned the establishment into a "battleground." A final decision will be made within the next 24 hours.

This development is seen as a victory for the Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) community's campaign against businesses operating on Shabbat, particularly those near Haredi neighborhoods. Protesters have previously blocked buses entering Jerusalem on Saturdays, forcing passengers to disembark before reaching their destination. Anonymous individuals have also left bags of feces near the cafe.

Eli Birnbaum, CEO of "Jews for Jesus," stated that the decision to open on Saturdays was made after many Jerusalem residents expressed a desire for such venues, wanting to "manage Shabbat as they love." However, he acknowledged that the operation "provoked" the Haredi community and led to a "political and violent struggle" that they did not intend. Birnbaum emphasized that the decision to close is not final and will be discussed by the association's board.

He added that if they decide to close, he hopes it will demonstrate to the Haredi community the importance of "acting differently towards the other" and fostering a "dialogue of love." Birnbaum also noted that the cafe's purpose is to provide hospitality, a core tenet of their mission, and that the location previously housed a restaurant, Arcadia, which operated on Saturdays without issue. The cafe is not located directly adjacent to Haredi neighborhoods.