For the 7th week, Haredi protesters demonstrate at Jerusalem cafe open on Shabbat

15 August 2026, 2:31 pm

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Secular activists hold up placards as they stage a counter-protest against Haredi men at Cafe Basimta in Jerusalem, on August 15, 2026. The Hebrew sign reads "We will die rather than drink instant," a play on a slogan used by Haredi men against the IDF draft. (AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP)

Images show ultra-Orthodox men protesting at central Jerusalem’s Basimta cafe for the seventh straight week, as Haredi demonstrations continue against the cafe operating on Shabbat.

Counter-protesters from the Pink Front organization are also present, holding signs declaring the “Holy right to drink coffee” and “We will die rather than drink instant,” a play on a slogan used by Haredi men protesting against being drafted into the IDF.

According to reports by activists online, it appeared that the lock to the cafe was vandalized overnight, leading to a short delay in opening this morning.

There are no reports of arrests.