Jerusalem Cafe Closes on Saturdays Amid Ultra-Orthodox Protests

The "Cafe Alley" (Kaffe Basalata) in Jerusalem has announced it will close on Saturdays, effective immediately, after two months of escalating confrontations with ultra-Orthodox protesters. The cafe, operated by "Jews for Jesus," a movement of Jewish believers in Jesus, stated the decision was made with a heavy heart to de-escalate tensions and restore peace to the establishment.

"The cafe has become a focal point of friction and danger, a reality contrary to our identity as Jews who believe in Jesus and our faith in loving others, with respect and closeness between people, even towards those who oppose us," said Eli Birnbaum, CEO of Jews for Jesus. The organization emphasizes its commitment to acting with respect and dialogue, even with those who disagree with their beliefs.

The cafe's opening in the spring had sparked riots, attempted break-ins, and blockades by protesters. In one instance, a woman was documented pouring glue on the entrance lock, delaying an opening by 40 minutes. The cafe has become a symbol of the tension between secular and ultra-Orthodox residents in the capital over the city's character.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio criticized the closure, calling it a "prize for violence and law-breaking" that would encourage further such actions by the ultra-Orthodox. He urged the cafe's management to reverse their decision, stating, "We will not surrender to the ultra-Orthodox."

Adir Schwartz, chairman of the "Awakening" movement in Jerusalem and deputy mayor, expressed disappointment, calling the closure a "dangerous precedent" and blaming local leadership for not intervening sooner. The "Awakening" movement is reportedly considering operating the cafe on Saturdays themselves.

Former MK Yair Golan condemned the situation as the result of "ultra-Orthodox terror," arguing that the cafe was merely seeking to open on Shabbat without forcing its observance on others, and that the protests amounted to coercion that, if unchecked, would continue to affect other establishments.