Jerusalem Cafe to Close on Saturdays Amid Haredi Protests

Cafe 'Ha'Simta' in Jerusalem announced on Thursday that it will cease operations on Saturdays, starting this coming weekend. The decision comes after more than six weeks of persistent protests by Haredi demonstrators against the cafe's weekend opening.

The cafe, which is identified with missionary activities, became a focal point for public conflict over Shabbat observance in the city. Haredi protesters regularly gathered outside the establishment each Saturday, while counter-protesters and supporters of the cafe's open status also arrived, leading to confrontations.

During the protests, incidents of vandalism and violence were reported, including eggs and stones being thrown at the cafe, tables being overturned, and attempts to force entry and tamper with the locks. The ongoing tensions attracted public figures, including Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of Yisrael Beiteinu, and Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party.

The management of 'Ha'Simta' stated that the decision to close on Saturdays was made after prolonged deliberation and with the aim of restoring peace to the area. "The decision was made after prolonged deliberation and with a heavy heart, out of a desire to prevent and lower the flames and restore quiet to the cafe," a spokesperson said.

This resolution marks the end of the current struggle over the cafe's Saturday operations, which had turned it into one of Jerusalem's most prominent sites of friction regarding the observance of Shabbat.