Jerusalem Cafe Designed as Neighborhood Living Room Faces Ultra-Orthodox Protests Over Saturday Opening

The Jerusalem cafe "Basemta," located in the Agripas neighborhood, was established in early June as a community space designed to feel like a cozy neighborhood living room. Owned by Yoel Ben David and his wife Adel, the cafe aims to serve students, artists, and local residents with a warm atmosphere featuring mosaic tables, wooden furniture, and comfortable armchairs. Ben David, 47, who has Moroccan and Scottish roots and returned to Israel at age 19, explained that the design was inspired by the desire to create a welcoming environment reminiscent of his Moroccan grandparents' home, avoiding minimalism in favor of warmth and comfort.

The cafe specializes in high-quality "specialty" coffee, rated 80 points or higher by the Specialty Coffee Association, emphasizing careful production from farm to cup. It offers over 40 indoor seats and 20 outdoor seats, with plans to renovate the second floor for exhibitions and performances pending municipal approval. The couple envisions the cafe as a multifunctional community hub, hosting art shows and supporting social causes, including projects aiding women recovering from addiction and homelessness.

However, since late June, the cafe has been the site of escalating protests by ultra-Orthodox groups opposing its Saturday (Shabbat) opening. What began as a small group chanting slogans grew into violent demonstrations involving up to 250 protesters attempting to break into the cafe and damaging property. Police have been present during these events, with supporters of the cafe also gathering to form a protective barrier. Ben David noted that other cafes in central Jerusalem also operate on Saturdays and have faced similar opposition, but the intensity of the protests at Basemta surprised him.

Despite the unrest, Ben David remains determined to keep the cafe open, emphasizing his commitment to pluralism and community. He expressed concern that closing the cafe under pressure would set a precedent leading to further closures of similar establishments. The cafe operates Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 to 16:00, Friday until 14:00, and Saturday from 10:00 to 16:00.