Jerusalem's Basimta Cafe may decide to close on Shabbat amid weekly haredi protests

Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsThe demonstrations against the cafe began following a revelation that the the eatery is an official Jews for Jesus project, a movement seen as controversial amongst mainstream Judaism.Follow us on GoogleUltra-Orthodox protesters demonstrate against a cafe operating on Shabbat and clash with Israeli police, while secular protesters hold a counter-demonstration in support of the cafe in central Jerusalem, August 8, 2026. (photo credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 22:42The management at Jerusalem's Basimta Cafe will decide whether or not the establishment will remain open on Saturdays amid weekly haredi (ultra-Orthodox) protests against its Shabbat operations, N12 News reported on Wednesday.According to the report, the restaurant's management is considering the psychological toll of the constant protests, which have continued for over six weeks, with some of the management wishing to restore a sense of normalcy to the cafe.On August 22, haredi demonstrators set up barricades around the cafe in an attempt to prevent patrons from entering, as security footage showed at the time.Also in August, a 75-year-old man was arrested after he vandalized the cafe with spray paint, as well as damaging the restaurant's lock and throwing garbage at it.The protests have seen violence since the first one on July 4, when ultra-Orthodox activists overturned tables at the cafe and banged on its windows.Cafe Basimta, Jerusalem (credit: Hodya Ben Baruch via Maariv)Several politicians have participated in the protests, including Democrats Party chairman Yair Golan, Party CEO Omer Lubaton Granot, and MK Meirav Cohen.In response, secular Israelis have conducted counter-protests against the haredi activists, with Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman having joined Basimta Cafe supporters earlier in August.Cafe targeted following revelation of being a Jews for Jesus projectThe demonstrations against the cafe began following a revelation that the the eatery is an official Jews for Jesus project, a movement seen as controversial amongst mainstream Judaism.The group, a prominent organization within the broader Messianic Jewish movement, recognizes what it believes is the divinity of Jesus while claiming to practice Judaism.Follow us on Google