Clashes Erupt in Jerusalem Over Cafe Opening on Shabbat
On August 8, 2026, dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters gathered outside the "Basemta" cafe in Jerusalem to oppose its operation on Shabbat. The demonstration sparked confrontations with secular activists who counter-protested, holding signs reading "Haredim, hands off our coffee" and "Freedom from religion even on Shabbat." Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, arrived at the scene and was photographed near a glass window of the cafe that had been shattered by the ultra-Orthodox rioters. Lieberman condemned the vandalism and harassment, stating, "My vision is that whoever wants to go to synagogue on Shabbat morning should go, and whoever wants to go to a cafe should go to a cafe." He concluded his remarks with the phrase, "Live and let live."
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