Haredi protests against Jerusalem’s Basimta cafe continue as entrance is vandalized

For the seventh consecutive week, dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrated in central Jerusalem against the Basimta cafe for operating on Shabbat. Simultaneously, secular activists from the 'Pink Front' organization held a counter-protest to support the cafe's right to operate. Police officers stood between the groups, and no arrests were reported. The cafe's opening was delayed by 40 minutes after an unidentified individual, seen on security footage wearing a face mask, glued the lock overnight. Yesh Atid MK Vladimir Beliak and Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman expressed support for the cafe, emphasizing the right of Jerusalem residents to choose their own lifestyle. The cafe, which has been a target of protests since July 4, has faced additional scrutiny due to its reported affiliation with the Christian missionary group 'Jews for Jesus.' This connection led the Hapoel Jerusalem soccer team to withdraw an offer of free advertising for the business. The ongoing clashes occur amid broader tensions between Israel's ultra-Orthodox community and the secular public regarding military conscription.