Jerusalem cafe becomes flashpoint in growing haredi protests over Shabbat

Cafe Basimta in Jerusalem has become a focal point for escalating haredi Orthodox protests over Shabbat openings, marking its sixth consecutive weekend of demonstrations. The cafe, which opened in late May, is situated near the unofficial boundary between haredi neighborhoods and other parts of the city, attracting protests primarily from haredi teenagers. While nearly 100 other establishments in Jerusalem operate on Shabbat, Basimta is the only one facing such intense opposition. This dispute is part of a broader struggle over Jerusalem's identity, linked to other haredi protests concerning light rail construction and military conscription.

• Protests have grown more aggressive, with incidents including property damage, spitting at journalists, and throwing water bags.
• Haredi demonstrators chant slogans like "One who desecrates the Sabbath, his sentence is death," while secular counter-protesters shout "enlist!"
• Jerusalem City Council member Laura Wharton states the cafe operates legally under a Supreme Court ruling exempting food service from Shabbat closures.
• A haredi demonstrator, Avraham, stated, "We want it gone. It is desecrating our Sabbath," while Rabbi Avi Dabush commented, "It's kind of an example for the battle that we are doing about the identity of Israel right now."