Jerusalemites Rally at Coffee Cart After Cafe Closes for Shabbat

Dozens of Jerusalem residents gathered on Saturday at a coffee cart operated by the "Teru'ma" movement in the "Smeta Cafe" complex. This gathering occurred after the cafe's management decided to close on Saturdays due to violent incidents and protests. City inspectors arrived and ordered the coffee cart's removal, which was then carried out. The "Teru'ma" movement is continuing its crowdfunding campaign to support the coffee cart's operations.

Adir Schwartz, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and chairman of the "Teru'ma" movement, stated, "Today we proved that violence may have closed the door of Smeta Cafe, but it did not succeed in closing Jerusalem. Dozens of Jerusalemites came here on Shabbat, drank coffee, sat together, and showed that the liberal public does not intend to disappear and does not intend to give up its public space. We will continue to be here and fight for a free and liberal Jerusalem, where everyone can choose how they want to live their Shabbat. We will not allow extremists to impose religious wars on us that Jerusalemites are tired of."

Smeta Cafe's management announced last Thursday that the cafe would cease operating on Saturdays after approximately two months of being a focal point for Haredi protesters demonstrating against its weekend opening. The management cited a desire to de-escalate tensions and restore peace to the location.

The cafe is run by "Jews for Jesus," a group of Jews who believe in Jesus and identify as part of the Jewish people. They stated that in accordance with their faith's values and their identification with Messianic Judaism, they aim to operate with respect, dialogue, and love for others, even those who oppose their beliefs. The cafe management explained that the decision to stop Saturday operations was made with a heavy heart, as the venue had become a site of friction in recent months. They added that continuing the situation was inconsistent with the identity and values they seek to promote.

In recent months, dozens of Haredi individuals protested outside the cafe against its Saturday opening. Secular protesters advocating for "freedom from religion" countered, leading to confrontations. The cafe suffered damage on several occasions during the protests, including a locked door that delayed its opening.