Jerusalem Cafe's Opening Delayed After Lock Sabotage Amid Sabbath Dispute

Early on Saturday morning, employees of the Jerusalem cafe "Basemta" discovered that the cafe's lock had been glued shut, delaying the opening by 40 minutes. Security cameras captured a woman dressed in a dress applying glue to the lock overnight, causing the obstruction. This incident occurs amid ongoing public tensions over the cafe's decision to open on the Sabbath, a move that has sparked protests and confrontations in recent weeks.

The dispute has drawn dozens of supporters who come to the cafe to sit on the Sabbath, facing off against ultra-Orthodox protesters chanting "Sheabas" (a derogatory term). Police from the Jerusalem district deployed barriers in the alleyways near the cafe to prevent physical clashes between the two groups. Despite the police presence, loud verbal confrontations erupted, with cafe patrons holding signs proclaiming "Our sacred right to drink coffee on the Sabbath" and responding to protesters with chants of "Enlist".

This episode highlights the broader cultural and religious conflict in Jerusalem regarding Sabbath observance and public business operations. The police maintained separation between the groups throughout the day to avoid escalation. The cafe's decision to remain open on the Sabbath continues to provoke strong reactions from the local community, with protests and counter-protests expected to persist.