Haredi demonstrators, counterprotestors clash at sixth consecutive Shabbat protest of Basimta Cafe
Police deployed dozens of officers as the dispute over the Shabbat-opening cafe drew growing counterprotests and turned into an election-season fight over religion and state.
- On Saturday, August 8, Haredi demonstrators protested outside Basimta Cafe in Jerusalem, marking owner Yoel Ben David's sixth consecutive Shabbat facing demonstrations as police deployed to manage the scene.
- Jerusalem's demographic divide fuels the tension, with 46% of Jewish residents identifying as Haredi while 13% identify as secular. The cafe has become a focal point in the broader struggle over the city's character.
- Hardline Haredi demonstrators have caused an estimated 400 million shekels in damages to a light rail project over six years, freeing them to target the cafe on Saturdays. Protesters average about 16 years old.
- Democrats Party chairman Maj.-Gen. Yair Golan and MK Meirav Cohen joined Saturday's counter-protest supporting the business. Ben David reported receiving support from religious community members throughout the week.
- The cafe remains a symbol of the national identity battle ahead of the October 27 election. Resident Liora Bamberger, who observes Shabbat, expressed concern about extremism disrupting her quiet mornings, saying "when you have extremism, it's not gonna end.
12 Articles
12 Articles
MISSIONARY CAFE: Dati Reservist Says Controversial Yerushalayim Coffee Shop Open On Shabbos Is Owned By Christian Organization
A Dati reservist soldier visited the controversial coffee shop on Agripas Street in Yerushalayim that has drawn criticism for remaining open on Shabbos, saying he wanted to verify reports about the business rather than circulate unconfirmed claims. According to the soldier, a worker at the café confirmed that the establishment is owned by a Christian […]
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
Shabbat protests outside Jerusalem cafe show no sign of abating
Police were out in force for the sixth straight week of demonstrators and counter-demonstrators. The post Shabbat protests outside Jerusalem cafe show no sign of abating appeared first on Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
For six weeks now, ultra-Orthodox and secular Israelis have been clashing at a newly opened café that stays open on the Jewish day of rest. For one group, it revolves...
"It's a shame you didn't die": Outrage at haredi protester's words to wounded soldier
Haredim protested the opening of a café on Shabbat. During the demonstration, a civilian told the protesters, "I was wounded in Lebanon." One protester replied, "It's a shame you didn't die."
Haredi demonstrators, counterprotestors clash at sixth consecutive Shabbat protest of Basimta Cafe
Every weekend for the past six weeks, those who disapprove of the café being open on Shabbat have protested at the location, while supporters of the business held counterprotests.
Hundreds rally at Jerusalem Shabbat cafe turned flashpoint for religious-secular tensions
Weekly protests over cafe’s decision to open on Shabbat have drawn opposition leaders, including Democrats chief Yair Golan, as religion-state tensions move to the fore in the election campaign
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