A 75-year-old woman was arrested after police said she allegedly spray-painted graffiti, threw garbage and damaged the lock of Basimta, a Jerusalem cafe that has faced seven consecutive weekends of haredi protests over its Shabbat opening. Authorities said the suspect was already under court restrictions barring her from approaching the cafe. The dispute intensified after it emerged that Basimta is linked to Jews For Jesus, a group associated with the Messianic Jewish movement.
75-Year-Old Arrested After Alleged Vandalism Of Basimta Cafe Amid Weeks Of Shabbat Protests
Ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrate against a cafe operating on Shabbat and clash with Israeli police, while secular protesters hold a counter-demonstration in support of the cafe in central Jerusalem, August 8, 2026. (photo credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)
A 75-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday after Israel Police said she allegedly vandalized Basimta, a Jerusalem cafe that has been at the center of repeated protests over its decision to open on Shabbat.
Police Allegations: Authorities say the suspect spray-painted graffiti on the cafe's exterior, threw garbage at the premises and damaged the establishment's lock. Police also noted the woman was already subject to court-imposed restrictions that barred her from approaching or entering Basimta.
Ultra-Orthodox protesters demonstrate against a cafe operating on Shabbat and clash with Israeli police, while secular protesters hold a counter-demonstration in support of the cafe in central Jerusalem, August 8, 2026. (credit: OREN BEN HAKOON/FLASH90)
Protests and Counterprotests: Basimta has been targeted by haredi (ultra-Orthodox) demonstrations for seven consecutive weekends. Secular activists and supporters of the cafe have organized counterprotests in defense of the business. The dispute first escalated on July 4, when dozens of haredi demonstrators — reportedly including minors — arrived in four waves, surrounding the venue, rattling windows and overturning tables, according to cafe staff and widely circulated footage.
Religious Context: Last month it was reported that Basimta is officially linked to Jews For Jesus, an organization associated with the broader Messianic Jewish movement. That movement combines belief in the divinity of Jesus with Jewish practice — a combination rejected as incompatible by mainstream Jewish denominations — and the revelation appears to have intensified tensions around the cafe.
Next Steps: Police say the investigation is ongoing. No additional charges have been announced publicly. Theia Chatelle contributed to this report.
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