Protests Continue Over Jerusalem Cafe Open on Shabbat with Support from Yair Golan

For the sixth consecutive week, protests erupted outside the "Basemta" cafe on Agripas Street in Jerusalem, where dozens of ultra-Orthodox demonstrators oppose the cafe's operation on Shabbat. The protests have sparked sharp tensions, with hundreds of supporters, including members of the Democratic Party led by Yair Golan, arriving to back the business's right to remain open.

The Jerusalem police deployed reinforced forces and blocked access to the cafe to prevent clashes. Despite this, confrontations occurred between ultra-Orthodox protesters attempting to breach police barriers and law enforcement officers. Secular supporters also gathered to express their backing for the cafe's Shabbat opening.

Yair Golan, chairman of the Democratic Party, attended the protest alongside Knesset member Merav Cohen, adding a political dimension to the dispute. Golan's presence highlights the broader societal divide over the character of Jerusalem's public spaces and the status of Shabbat observance. Ultra-Orthodox protesters view the issue as a fundamental battle over Jerusalem's identity and the sanctity of Shabbat in public life.

Since its opening last spring, the cafe has become a focal point of a wider conflict between ultra-Orthodox groups and advocates for businesses operating on Shabbat. The ongoing protests have occasionally escalated into clashes, underscoring the deep cultural and religious tensions in the city.