Hapoel Jerusalem Partners With Controversial Cafe 'Cafe Basemta' as Free Sponsor

Hapoel Jerusalem basketball club announced on July 12, 2026, that "Cafe Basemta," a Jerusalem cafe known for opening on Saturdays despite public protests, will become one of the team's sponsors without paying any fee. The cafe's logo will appear on the team's shorts for the upcoming season. The club stated that this sponsorship is a gesture of support for the cafe, which has become a symbol of the fight for business freedom in Jerusalem. Hapoel Jerusalem emphasized its identity as more than just a sports team, describing itself as part of the city's diverse and open fabric. Unlike other sponsors, the club did not demand any payment from Cafe Basemta, only encouraging it to continue its fight for a free Jerusalem by focusing on serving good coffee every day of the week, whenever it chooses.