Jerusalem Cafe to Close on Saturdays Amid Ultra-Orthodox Protests
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Jerusalem's "Cafe Ba'Smalta" will close on Saturdays due to escalating protests and vandalism by ultra-Orthodox demonstrators. The cafe's management hopes this move will de-escalate tensions and restore peace to the area.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jerusalem cafe "Cafe Ba'Smalta" will close on Saturdays.
- The closure follows two months of ultra-Orthodox protests.
- Protests escalated to violence and vandalism.
- The cafe aims to de-escalate tensions and restore peace.
- It will continue operating on weekdays.
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.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Left 1Centre 8Right 4Haredi 3Other 3
