Sixth Saturday of Jerusalem cafe protests sees clashes, as Democrats chairman Eyal Golan joins supporters

For the sixth consecutive Saturday, clashes erupted near Cafe Basmeta in Jerusalem, which operates on Shabbat, as Haredi protesters and secular supporters faced off, according to i24NEWS. Hundreds of supporters arrived, and later Haredi demonstrators also gathered. Dozens of police deployed at the scene. Eyal Golan, chairman of the Democrats party, came to support the cafe.

The protest at Cafe Basmeta entered its sixth consecutive Saturday, with Democrats chairman Eyal Golan arriving at the scene to show support for the cafe, which operates on Shabbat. Earlier today, at 11:20 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Haredi protesters had gathered outside the cafe, and clashes erupted with secular counter-protesters. Police deployed dozens of officers to maintain order as both sides faced off.

As The Zioneer tracked this morning, the protests escalated through the hour. At 11:20 Jerusalem, police reinforced barriers after Haredi demonstrators threw water and eggs from balconies. Subsequently, Haredi protesters attempted to break through police barriers and force their way into the cafe, with officers pushing them back. Police later launched an investigation into the source of the water thrown at protesters.

The weekly demonstrations have become a recurring flashpoint in Jerusalem. On Saturday, August 1, The Zioneer reported that Avigdor Liberman, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, joined counter-protesters at the cafe during the fifth Saturday of protests. On Saturday, July 18, the third Saturday, secular supporters rallied in solidarity.

Police are still investigating the source of the water thrown at protesters. No further details on the investigation have been released.

10 developments

1. 13:22 · 8 AugLatest

   Yair Golan calls the Jerusalem café gathering a democratic, liberal demonstration.

2. 12:28 · 8 Aug

   Protesters beginning to disperse as police maintain presence at the scene.

3. 11:44 · 8 Aug

   Democrats chairman Eyal Golan joined supporters at the ongoing protest.

• Developing12:13 · 1 AugYair Golan: Jerusalem belongs to everyone, no group will dictate public space by force
• Strong12:13 · 1 AugYair Golan: 'Jerusalem belongs to everyone' after Haredi café protest
• Developing21:04 · 21 JulYair Golan unveils Democrats election platform, pledges to bar indicted officials from government
• Strong11:14 · 12 JunDemocrats leader Yair Golan wraps up undisclosed Abu Dhabi talks

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