Jerusalem cafe becomes flashpoint for Shabbat protests

Protests have erupted in Jerusalem surrounding Cafe Basimta, a small establishment that has remained open on Shabbat for the past six consecutive weeks. The cafe, located near the border of Haredi neighborhoods on Agrippas Street, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing tension between ultra-Orthodox and secular Israelis regarding the religious character of the city and the use of public space.

Ultra-Orthodox demonstrators have gathered weekly to protest the cafe’s decision to operate on the Jewish Sabbath, with some instances involving attempts to breach police barricades. Conversely, secular supporters have also gathered to defend the establishment. The conflict is further complicated by the fact that the cafe is operated by the missionary organization ‘Jews for Jesus.’

While approximately 100 other businesses in Jerusalem operate on Shabbat, Basimta is one of the few in its specific area. The unrest reflects broader societal frictions in Jerusalem, including disputes over light rail construction and military conscription policies.