Secular Activists Prepare to Defend Jerusalem Cafe Amid Haredi Protests Over Sabbath Opening
Last week, hundreds of Haredi protesters gathered outside a cafe in the Nahlaot area of central Jerusalem, overturning chairs, banging on windows, and spitting at patrons in opposition to the cafe's operation on the Sabbath. Ahead of the upcoming weekend, secular activists from the Awakening movement plan to be present at the same cafe, Basemta, from opening until closing to prevent further disturbances. Flyers distributed in Haredi neighborhoods have called for a Sabbath protest against the cafe's opening.
The Jerusalem police have gathered intelligence, held discussions with all parties involved, and are preparing for the possibility that the protests may escalate despite occurring on the Sabbath. The cafe owner, Yoel Ben David, remains firm in his decision to stay open on the Sabbath. He expressed hope that the demonstrations will not spiral out of control and that tensions will ease. Ben David said, "Many people told me they will come, and I am happy for the support. I spoke with the police, and they said they are preparing and will be there. I trust they will do their job, but I hope the Haredim will wake up tomorrow morning and decide not to come for their own reasons."
The cafe will open at 10 a.m. Ben David, somewhat concerned about potential escalation, added, "I would like my only worry to be having enough milk for the coffee. We will try to calm the situation, and I hope people will come, drink coffee, and everything will be peaceful."
Adir Schwartz, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and chairman of the Awakening movement, called on Jerusalem residents to support local businesses open on weekends. He emphasized that the city belongs to everyone and that no business owner or resident should fear violence, threats, or coercion due to their lifestyle. Schwartz stated, "Those who think they can intimidate business owners and the Jerusalem public are mistaken. We will be there to support the businesses, stand with the residents, and make it clear: Jerusalem will not succumb to violence. I call on everyone who cares about Jerusalem to come this weekend, sit in cafes, support local businesses, and show that the public space belongs to all of us."
