Avigdor Liberman joins supporters as haredi protesters target Jerusalem café for fifth week

For the fifth consecutive Saturday, extremist haredi protesters demonstrated outside Jerusalem's Café Basimta over its decision to remain open on Shabbat. Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman joined supporters of the café, stating, “I believe above all in the principle of live and let live. Drinking coffee on a Saturday morning cannot become an act of civic courage.” Protesters reportedly banged on windows and attempted to breach police barriers, while customers shouted, “Enlist, enlist.”

The noise sounded like a herd. Confrontations began at the scene.

Café owner Yoel Ben David emphasized his respect for the religious community and highlighted support from both secular and religious residents, including kippah-wearing individuals who apologized on behalf of the haredi community. Democrats Party chairman Yair Golan criticized the police for their handling of the situation.