Haredi protesters rally outside Jerusalem cafe open on Shabbat

Dozens of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protesters gathered outside Cafe Basimta in Jerusalem's Nahlaot neighborhood on Saturday, demonstrating against the business's decision to open on the Jewish Sabbath. The protesters chanted "Shabbos" as they voiced their opposition to the cafe's operation during a time traditionally observed as a day of rest.

However, their protest was met with a strong counter-demonstration. Hundreds of Jerusalem residents arrived throughout the morning to show their support for Cafe Basimta. Police were present at the scene and removed two haredi protesters who were positioned near the cafe's entrance. The situation highlighted a recurring tension in Jerusalem over the observance of Shabbat and the operation of businesses.

Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz, who chairs the Hitorerut movement, was among those supporting the cafe. He criticized the protesters, stating that "extremists came to Cafe Basimta in an attempt to intimidate the business owners and the Jerusalem public." Schwartz vowed that his movement would continue to support local businesses and "preserve a free Jerusalem that belongs to everyone," emphasizing that a small group would not dictate how residents live.

This demonstration followed a more disruptive incident the previous week, where hundreds of haredi protesters surrounded the cafe, overturned chairs, banged on windows, and spat at patrons. Ahead of Saturday's protest, Jerusalem authorities had prepared for potential unrest, and Hitorerut activists planned to remain at the cafe throughout the day to help prevent disturbances. Posters circulating in haredi neighborhoods had called on residents to march to the cafe and protest its opening.

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Once again this Shabbat, extremists came to Cafe Basimta in an attempt to intimidate the business owners and the Jerusalem public, simply because they chose to open the cafe on Shabbat. Hitorerut activists were at the site throughout Shabbat, stood alongside the business owners, and made it clear that a small group of extremists would not be allowed to dictate to Jerusalem residents how to live. We will continue to be there, support local businesses, and preserve a free Jerusalem that belongs to everyone.