Avigdor Liberman joined secular supporters at a Jerusalem cafe on Saturday as Haredi protesters demonstrated outside for the fifth consecutive week. Customers reportedly shouted 'Enlist, enlist' at the protesters.
This Saturday, the fifth consecutive week of Haredi protests outside Cafe Basmeta in Jerusalem, MK Avigdor Liberman joined secular counter-protesters at the scene. Customers reportedly shouted 'Enlist, enlist' at the Haredi demonstrators, referencing the ongoing controversy over Haredi military service. The development comes hours after initial reports at 12:20 Jerusalem time indicated that Liberman was reportedly attacked during a visit to the same cafe, and that protesters shouted 'Go back to Russia' at him. The nature of the reported attack remains unverified, and the situation has since evolved with Liberman remaining at the cafe alongside supporters.
The Zioneer has tracked the weekly protests at Cafe Basmeta since July. On July 11, clashes erupted between Haredi protesters and cafe patrons for the second consecutive Saturday, with police arresting a minor on suspicion of assaulting a policewoman. On July 18, secular supporters rallied at the cafe, with police separating the groups. The demonstrations have become a recurring flashpoint in the broader debate over Haredi enlistment and public religious observance in Jerusalem.
Liberman, a long-time advocate for mandatory Haredi enlistment, has been a vocal figure in the controversy. His presence at the cafe adds a direct political dimension to the protest. The demonstration was ongoing as of 14:42 Jerusalem time.
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