After about two months in which Café BaSimta became the scene of protests by Haredi demonstrators every Saturday, the café’s management announced Thursday that it will close on the Jewish Sabbath beginning this weekend.
“The decision was made after lengthy deliberation and with a heavy heart, out of a desire to prevent further escalation, lower the flames and restore calm to the café,” the management said.
Haredi protest against the cafe being open on Shabbat
(Photo: Ahmad Gharibeli/ AFP)
Café BaSimta is operated by the organization Jews for Jesus, a movement of Jews who believe in Jesus and consider themselves part of the Jewish people. The organization says that, in keeping with the values of their faith as people identified with Messianic Judaism, they seek to act with respect, dialogue and love for others, including toward those who oppose their beliefs.
“This is a difficult and painful decision that stems from a deep sense of responsibility toward our customers, our faith and Israeli society as a whole," Eli Birnbaum, CEO of Jews for Jesus, said. "In recent months, the café has become a focal point of friction and danger, a reality that runs counter to our identity as Jews who believe in Jesus and to our belief in love for others, respect and bringing people closer together, even in the face of those who oppose us.
“We thank the Israel Police, the Jerusalem Municipality and everyone who came to support us during this difficult period. Now we want to return Café BaSimta to what it was meant to be: a calm, pleasant and open place for coffee, culture and dialogue,” he also said.
Members of the nonprofit organization met to discuss the café’s future and the possibility of closing it on Saturdays after its operation on the Jewish day of rest recently became a focal point of tension and protests in the city.