Neighborhood Cafes in Ramat Gan Become New Battlegrounds in Israel's Religious Culture Wars

In Ramat Gan, Israel, local neighborhood cafes have unexpectedly become focal points in ongoing religious and cultural conflicts, particularly surrounding the observance of Shabbat. Cafes that choose to open on Shabbat face threats, vandalism, and arson attacks, reflecting a broader societal struggle over public life on the Jewish day of rest.

Shahaf Shariki, owner of the cafe Bendita, has endured three arson attempts within a month and a half, including fires set to outdoor tables, walls, and the entrance door. Despite minimal physical damage, the attacks have drawn intense public and political attention, turning her small cafe into a national symbol of the debate. Shariki emphasizes that she did not intend to become a political figure but wanted to create a community space. She describes receiving threats and false accusations online, as well as direct intimidation from local religious figures demanding she close on Shabbat.

Similarly, Bar Janach, co-owner of Bar Cafe with his partner Omer Eisenberg, experienced vandalism when their cafe windows were smashed on a Shabbat shortly after opening. They openly support the LGBTQ+ community, which has also led to cultural pushback, including customers boycotting the cafe due to its pride events. Another cafe owner, Maor Shamai, faced repeated removal of pride flags and opposition from a religious building committee member. Despite these challenges, these cafes remain committed to inclusivity and operating on Shabbat.

These incidents are part of a larger pattern of "Shabbat wars" in Israel, which historically involved disputes over roads, cinemas, and malls, now shifting to cafes and local businesses. The rise of cafes open on Shabbat in traditionally quiet neighborhoods like Ramat Yitzhak reflects demographic changes and a growing demand for weekend social spaces. City officials, including Mayor Carmel Shama HaCohen, have supported the cafes by promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and defending liberal values, even as tensions persist.

The cafe owners stress that the conflict is not with their religious neighbors but with a specific group attempting to impose restrictions through intimidation. They highlight the importance of coexistence and maintaining open, diverse communities. The ongoing cultural battles in Ramat Gan illustrate the evolving nature of religious-secular relations in Israel and the challenges faced by businesses navigating these divides.

Summary: Neighborhood cafes in Ramat Gan have become new fronts in Israel's religious and cultural conflicts, facing arson, vandalism, and threats due to their decision to open on Shabbat and support LGBTQ+ rights. Owners like Shahaf Shariki and Bar Janach endure attacks and opposition but emphasize community building and coexistence amid rising tensions.

Points: - Neighborhood cafes in Ramat Gan face arson and threats for opening on Shabbat. - Bendita cafe owner Shahaf Shariki experienced three arson attempts within six weeks. - LGBTQ+ support at cafes leads to boycotts and removal of pride flags. - City officials back cafes promoting liberal values despite religious opposition. - Conflicts reflect broader "Shabbat wars" shifting from public spaces to local businesses. - Owners stress the fight is against intimidation, not their religious neighbors.

Topic: politics

Entities: {"people":["Shahaf Shariki","Bar Janach","Omer Eisenberg","Maor Shamai","Carmel Shama HaCohen"],"organizations":["Bendita","Bar Cafe","Knesset"],"places":["Ramat Gan","Ramat Yitzhak","Bnei Brak","Jerusalem","Tel Aviv"]}