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

The Jerusalem cafe "Basemta," located in the Agripas neighborhood, was opened in early June with the goal of creating a calm, homey community space for students, artists, and local residents. Owner Yoel Ben David, 47, designed the cafe with warm colors, mosaic tables, and comfortable armchairs to evoke a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of his Moroccan grandparents' home. The cafe serves specialty coffee rated above 80 points by the Specialty Coffee Association, emphasizing quality from farm to cup.

Ben David and his wife Adel, who runs a nearby ceramics studio, purchased a two-story building at Agripas 6 to establish a multifunctional community hub featuring exhibitions and performances. The cafe offers over 40 indoor seats and 20 outdoor spots, with a focus on fostering a relaxed environment where patrons can study, socialize, and enjoy music from the 1980s and 1990s.

However, since late June, the cafe has become a flashpoint for protests by ultra-Orthodox groups opposing its Saturday (Shabbat) opening. What began as a small group chanting "Shabbos" escalated to violent confrontations involving up to 250 protesters attempting to break into the cafe and damaging furniture. Police have been present to maintain order, and supporters of the cafe have formed a protective presence.

Ben David explained that other cafes in central Jerusalem also operate on Saturdays, but "Basemta" is new and thus a target. Despite the unrest, he remains determined to keep the cafe open, viewing closure as a dangerous precedent that could threaten other businesses. He emphasized the cafe's role in community support projects, including aiding women recovering from addiction and homelessness.

Plans are underway to renovate the cafe's second floor for cultural events, pending municipal approval and community feedback. Ben David, who identifies as a Jew for Jesus and is active in related social initiatives, sees the cafe as a positive contribution to Jerusalem's urban life and community cohesion.