Jerusalem Cafe Faces Sixth Consecutive Saturday of Protests Over Weekend Operation

For the sixth consecutive Saturday, confrontations have erupted near the Basemta cafe in Jerusalem due to its operation on Shabbat. The cafe's owner, Yoel, reportedly refused offers of money to close the establishment on Saturdays, leading to weekly protests outside his business. On August 8, 2026, supporters including Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, and other activists gathered to defend the cafe's right to remain open. They emphasized the importance of freedom and liberal values, with Golan and others asserting that "Jerusalem is for everyone, Israel is for everyone." The activists expressed their determination not to give up on supporting the cafe, praising both its stance and its coffee. This ongoing dispute highlights tensions in Jerusalem over public life on Shabbat and the balance between religious tradition and secular freedoms.