Following two months of violent protests and escalating clashes, the management of the Café besimta in Jerusalem announced it will officially close its doors on Saturdays starting this weekend.
The decision to end weekend operations marks a turning point for the cafe on Agrippas Street, which had become a weekly flashpoint between secular patrons, political figures, and ultra-Orthodox demonstrators. Management stated that the move was made to prevent friction and lower tensions after weeks of heated confrontations.
Behind the Decision at Café besimta
Managed by Jews for Jesus—a movement of Jewish believers in Jesus who view themselves as part of the Jewish people—the establishment emphasizes values of dialogue and love for one’s neighbor. Yet, those principles were severely tested over the past two months as the cafe transformed into a battleground.
“This is a difficult and painful decision that stems from a deep sense of responsibility to our customers, our faith, and the entire Israeli society. The café has become, over the past months, a center of friction and danger, a reality that contradicts our identity as Jews who believe in Jesus and our belief in loving others, respect, and closeness between people, even towards those who oppose us.”
Eli Birnbaum, Executive Director of Jews for Jesus
In English translation, Executive Director Eli Birnbaum noted that the venue had become a center of friction and danger, directly contradicting the group’s foundational ethos of respect and closeness between people, even those who oppose them. Management expressed gratitude to the Israel Police, the Jerusalem Municipality, and supporters who stood by the business through the turbulent period.
Two Months of Confrontation on Agrippas Street
The closure follows roughly two months of protests that turned the Agrippas Street location into a weekly arena of conflict between secular and ultra-Orthodox residents. Demonstrators routinely gathered outside the cafe to object to its Shabbat openings.
According to field reports, the demonstrations frequently turned aggressive. Dozens of protesters attempted to force their way into the cafe grounds, hurled water and eggs from surrounding balconies, and clashed directly with police forces deployed to separate diners from counter-protesters.
Political Reactions and Municipal Tensions
The high-profile protests drew various political figures to the site in recent weeks. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Adir Schwartz condemned the unrest, stating that violence is an attempt to force a lifestyle through intimidation and bullying.
Yisrael Beytenu Chairman Avigdor Liberman also visited the location during the disputes, arguing that drinking coffee on a Saturday morning should not require civil bravery.
The atmosphere surrounding the venue has proved exceptionally volatile. Local reporting highlighted an incident involving a 75-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of gluing shut the locks of the establishment, illustrating how deep the local neighborhood tensions had run.
Restoring the Café to Its Original Purpose
With Saturday operations officially cancelled starting this weekend, ownership aims to move past the confrontations and refocus on the business’s day-to-day identity. Management emphasized a desire to bring back a quiet, pleasant, and open space for coffee, culture, and dialogue.
=== END ARTICLE HTML ===
