Dozens of chareidim gathered outside a café on Rechov Agrippas in Yerushalayim on Shabbos morning to protest its recent decision to operate on Shabbos, objecting to what they described as public chillul Shabbos in the city.

The café, which opened only in recent weeks, became the focus of the demonstration as protesters voiced their opposition to its Shabbos operations.

Videos of the protest quickly spread across social media, prompting dozens of secular residents to come to the café in a show of support for the business. As the day progressed, the café filled with customers who said they wanted to express solidarity with its owners.

Owner Yoel Ben David told N12 that he attempted to speak with the demonstrators and explain that the café was not disturbing the surrounding neighborhood.

“I tried talking to them. There are no loudspeakers outside, and the business is located in an alley—we’re not bothering anyone.”

Lior, the café’s shift manager, said the demonstrations continued in several waves throughout the morning.

“They shouted, and one of them overturned a table. Altogether there were four waves during the morning, with dozens of chareidim trying to discourage customers from entering.”

Yerushalayim Deputy Mayor Yossi Havilio also arrived at the scene and voiced support for businesses remaining open on Shabbos, further escalating tensions.

“If we want young secular residents to stay in Yerushalayim instead of leaving, and if we don’t want the city to become Bnei Brak, then we need more places that are open on Shabbos,” he said.

Yerushalayim Mayor Moshe Lion later issued a statement calling for restraint while condemning violence.

“Yerushalayim is a diverse city in which people from every sector and community live together. Precisely because of that, all of us have a responsibility to act with mutual respect and restraint. Violence of any kind is completely unacceptable. It has no place in Jerusalem, and we will not tolerate it. We will continue working to preserve the status quo while upholding the law, maintaining public order, and protecting the delicate fabric that enables all of Yerushalayim’s residents to live together with dignity and security.”