Haredi demonstrators and counterprotesters clash over cafe operating on Shabbat in Jerusalem

Jerusalem's Basimta Cafe has been the site of ongoing protests for six consecutive Saturdays, as Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) demonstrators gather to object to its operation on the Jewish Sabbath. In response, supporters of the business have organized counterprotests, creating a visible clash over religious observance and secular freedoms in the city.

The cafe has emerged as a central point in the broader struggle concerning businesses that operate on Shabbat in Jerusalem. Demonstrators have reportedly attempted to pressure the cafe's owner, Yoel Ben David. According to MK Meirav Cohen, emissaries offered Ben David money to close the establishment on Shabbat, an offer he refused. Cohen, along with other politicians, joined the counterprotest to support Ben David's "steadfastness in the name of the values of freedom and liberalism."

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When he opened the place on Shabbat, emissaries came to him and offered him money so that he would close. He said no thank you, and from that moment he has been subjected to demonstrations outside his café every Shabbat.

Politicians from the Democrats Party, including chairman Maj.-Gen. (res.) Yair Golan and CEO Omer Lubaton-Granot, as well as MK Meirav Cohen, have publicly backed the cafe. Cohen stated on X/Twitter that Jerusalem and Israel belong to everyone, adding that "the coffee is really good." Last week, Yisrael Beiteinu chairman MK Avigdor Liberman also attended a counterprotest in support of the cafe.

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We came to strengthen him and thank him for his steadfastness in the name of the values of freedom and liberalism. Jerusalem belongs to everyone, Israel belongs to everyone, and besides that, the coffee is really good.

The owner, Yoel Ben David, expressed a desire for coexistence, stating, "I love and respect the religious community and absolutely do not hate Haredim. I want them to be able to pray in peace, for us to be able to drink our coffee in peace, and for all of us to be able to live here together in harmony." He questioned why such harmony is achievable in Tel Aviv or Haifa but not in Jerusalem.

Reports from previous protests indicate that Haredi demonstrators banged on the cafe's windows, while cafe patrons shouted "enlist, enlist" at the protesters. Dozens of police officers have been deployed to manage the demonstrations and counterdemonstrations.

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I love and respect the religious community and absolutely do not hate Haredim. I want them to be able to pray in peace, for us to be able to drink our coffee in peace, and for all of us to be able to live here together in harmony. If this can happen in Tel Aviv or Haifa, then why not in Jerusalem?