Jaffa Restaurant Seeks to Overturn 30-Day Closure Order
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
The owners of the "HaZaken VeHaYam" restaurant in Jaffa Port are petitioning a Tel Aviv court to lift a 30-day closure order issued by Israeli police. The closure was due to suspected employment of illegal workers, an issue the restaurant has faced multiple times previously. Owners claim they have implemented new oversight measures and that the closure causes significant financial harm to the business and its 100 employees.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Jaffa Port's "HaZaken VeHaYam" restaurant is seeking to overturn a 30-day police closure order.
- The closure stems from suspected employment of illegal workers, a recurring issue for the establishment.
- Owners claim corrective measures have been implemented to enhance oversight and prevent future violations.
- The restaurant argues the closure inflicts substantial financial damage on the business and its 100 employees.
- This marks at least the third closure for the restaurant in recent years.
- A court decision will determine if the restaurant can resume operations before the 30-day period ends.
The owners of "HaZaken VeHaYam" (The Old Man and the Sea) restaurant in Jaffa Port have petitioned the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court to cancel or shorten a 30-day administrative closure order.
The restaurant was shut down by Israeli police due to suspicions of employing illegal workers. In their petition, filed recently, the owners claim they have taken steps to strengthen oversight and prevent the employment of undocumented individuals since the closure was issued. They argue that the continued closure is causing significant financial damage, disrupting business operations, and hindering their ability to meet financial obligations.
Furthermore, the owners highlighted that the closure impacts approximately 100 employees whose livelihoods are at risk. They stated that they have reviewed the shortcomings, refined work procedures, and appointed a person responsible for control and monitoring mechanisms to prevent future occurrences. The owners acknowledged the seriousness of the suspicions and the importance of public safety.
This is not the first time the restaurant has faced closure for employing illegal workers. In July 2025, police found 12 Palestinian laborers working in violation of their permits and two additional undocumented individuals, leading to a closure. Another closure was reported recently after two suspected undocumented workers were found, resulting in the arrest and criminal investigation of an employer. In 2025, the restaurant was also closed following information about the employment of individuals who could potentially be involved in hostile activities.
The owners are now asking the court to consider the corrective measures they have implemented and the economic consequences of the ongoing shutdown. The court's decision will determine if the restaurant can reopen before the 30-day period expires.
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