After a series of altercations between secular patrons and Haredi individuals near Cafe Basmeta in Jerusalem on Saturday, the two sides are beginning to disperse, according to N12 journalist Hagar Amgar. Police barriers prevented dozens of Haredi from entering the cafe area, and large police forces remain at the scene.
After a series of altercations near Cafe Basmeta in Jerusalem this Saturday, groups of secular supporters and Haredi protesters began to disperse, according to N12 journalist Hagar Amgar. Police barriers that had prevented dozens of Haredi individuals from entering the cafe plaza remain in place, and large police forces are still at the scene. The development marks a de-escalation in the sixth consecutive Saturday of protests over the cafe's operation on Shabbat.
The Zioneer reported earlier today (Sat 11:20 Jerusalem) that the day's events escalated rapidly: police deployed reinforcements to block Haredi protesters, secular activists arrived in larger numbers than usual, and Haredi protesters threw water and eggs from balconies. Subsequent reports indicated attempts to break through police barriers, with police pushing back forcefully. The protests drew political figures, with Democrats party chairman Eyal Golan arriving to support the cafe. Throughout the morning, the thread shows a pattern of escalation—from water and eggs to attempts to breach barriers—followed by the current dispersal.
As The Zioneer has reported on previous Saturdays since July 11, the weekly protests at Cafe Basmeta have seen recurring clashes between Haredi worshippers objecting to the cafe's operation on Shabbat and secular supporters who rally in defense of the business. Police have routinely set up barriers to separate the two sides. No further details on arrests or injuries have been reported.
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Source and signal
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