Arsonist Targets Ramat Gan Cafe for Saturday Opening; Mayor Vows to Fight 'Hatred'

This brazen act of arson, targeting a new cafe in Ramat Gan simply for daring to open its doors on Shabbat, is an affront to the very fabric of our city. We cannot, and will not, allow such hatred and intolerance to take root here. Ramat Gan stands for liberty and coexistence, and this criminal's attempt to impose his extremist views through violence has backfired spectacularly.

The owner, who had already faced threats, is now dealing with the aftermath of a fire that caused heavy damage. But the spirit of Ramat Gan is strong. We are not a city that succumbs to intimidation. Instead, we rally around those who are targeted, demonstrating that our commitment to freedom is unwavering.

Mayor Carmel Shama-Hacohen's swift condemnation and call to action are precisely what's needed. Encouraging the community to patronize the cafe, even suggesting doubling its seating capacity, sends a powerful message: Ramat Gan will not be cowed. This incident, while deeply disturbing, ultimately highlights the resilience and unity of our residents in the face of such extremism. We will ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and that our city remains a beacon of tolerance.

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We will not allow any criminal to light a fire of hatred in the heart of Ramat Gan. Anyone who thinks of setting up 'religious guards' in the city and burning down places that are open on Shabbat will quickly discover that they have achieved the opposite.