Jerusalem Cafe Owner Vows to Stay Open Amid Violent Ultra-Orthodox Protests

For the fifth consecutive week, violent clashes erupted in Jerusalem on Saturday around the operation of the cafe "Basemta," which has faced ongoing protests from ultra-Orthodox groups. The demonstrations quickly escalated into severe confrontations that required police intervention. In an interview with "HaOlam HaBoker," the cafe owner, Yoel Ben David, described the latest Saturday's events as a harrowing experience. He recounted that approximately 250 protesters attacked the cafe, its customers, and the police, and at the height of the violence, when protesters tried to break inside, he feared for his life. Despite the threats and fear, Ben David firmly stated he has no intention of closing the cafe. He emphasized that his refusal to yield is rooted in a deeper principle, viewing the struggle as one over the character of society. "We must consider the message this sends to bullies," he said, "this is not the world I want to live in." His stance reflects a broader conflict in Jerusalem between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities over the nature of public space, with these violent events marking a critical flashpoint in ongoing tensions.