Jerusalem Cafe to Close on Saturdays Amid Ultra-Orthodox Protests

The Jerusalem cafe "Cafe Ba'Smalta" announced Thursday it will cease operations on Saturdays starting this coming weekend. The decision follows two months of escalating friction and protests by ultra-Orthodox demonstrators against the establishment.

"Cafe Ba'Smalta," operated by the organization "Jews for Jesus," had opened on weekends to serve secular residents of Jerusalem. However, the protests led to incidents of violence and vandalism, prompting the management to halt Saturday operations. The goal is to de-escalate tensions and restore peace to the area.

Eli Birnbaum, CEO of "Jews for Jesus," described the decision as difficult and painful, stemming from a deep sense of responsibility towards customers, their faith, and Israeli society. He stated the cafe had become a focal point of conflict and danger, contrary to their values of love, respect, and bringing people together, even with opponents.

Birnbaum explained that many Jerusalem residents had urged the cafe to remain open on Saturdays, emphasizing the need for such venues and their desire to observe Shabbat in their preferred way without leaving the city. He thanked the Israel Police and the Jerusalem Municipality for their support.

The cafe aims to return to being a peaceful space for coffee, culture, and dialogue, and will continue its operations on weekdays.