Jerusalem Cafe Closes on Saturdays Amid Harassment and Vandalism

Cafe "Basemta" in Jerusalem will no longer open on Saturdays after two months of intense protests and vandalism by ultra-Orthodox demonstrators. The cafe's management announced the decision, citing the need to avoid further friction and hatred. The protests, which began as a struggle over the city's character, escalated to include acts of vandalism such as dumping feces at the entrance, jamming locks, and blocking access.

The cafe is operated by "Jews for Jesus," a Messianic movement. Calls had been made to close the establishment entirely due to its operators' identity. The management stated that their "identity does not allow us to continue to be a focal point of friction and hatred" and that they wish to operate with respect and dialogue.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from political figures. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz condemned the violence, stating, "Violence won." He announced that the municipality is exploring options to operate the cafe independently on Saturdays, warning that closing businesses due to violence sets a dangerous precedent.

Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity party, called the closure "a victory for extremists and a loss for the moderate majority in Israel." He criticized the political climate that allows extremists to dictate outcomes and called for a government that allows local authorities to decide their character without extremist control.