Cafe Ba-smita

The storm surrounding "Cafe Ba-Smita" in Jerusalem continues. Unknown individuals apparently inserted glue into the entrance door lock to prevent the business from opening this morning. Only after a 40-minute struggle were the owners able to open the door. This incident follows six consecutive weeks of stormy confrontations and Haredi protests against the cafe's Saturday operations.

Dozens of ultra-Orthodox protesters are attempting to forcibly close the only cafe on Agrippas Street, while hundreds of residents have arrived to protect the liberal stronghold. Police have reinforced their presence, separating the two sides, though eggs continue to be thrown at patrons. In a capital where weekend leisure options are scarce, this struggle has become an existential battle for the...