Jerusalem Cafe Sparks Clashes as Ultra-Orthodox Protest Its Saturday Opening

On Saturday, dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered at Cafe Basemta in Jerusalem's Nahalat Ahim neighborhood to oppose its operation on the Sabbath. They shouted slogans against the cafe's opening, but were met by hundreds of Jerusalem residents who arrived early to show support for the business. Two ultra-Orthodox men who sat near the cafe entrance and shouted slogans were removed by police.

Adir Schwartz, Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem and chairman of the Awakening Movement, attended with activists to back the cafe owners. He condemned the extremists' attempts to intimidate the business and the city's residents, stating, "We will continue to support local businesses and maintain a free Jerusalem that belongs to everyone."

Last week, hundreds of ultra-Orthodox individuals stormed the same cafe, overturning chairs, banging on windows, and spitting at patrons. Ahead of the upcoming Sabbath, activists from the Awakening Movement plan to remain at the cafe from opening until closing to prevent further disturbances. Meanwhile, police have gathered intelligence and engaged with all parties to prepare for potential escalations, despite the protests occurring on the Sabbath.

The tensions reflect ongoing conflicts in Jerusalem over Sabbath observance and public space usage, with ultra-Orthodox groups distributing flyers calling for protests against the cafe's Saturday opening.