Ultra-Orthodox protesters heckle Lieberman at Jerusalem café demonstration

Israeli MP Avigdor Lieberman confronted ultra-Orthodox protesters at a demonstration against a café operating on Saturday morning in Jerusalem, facing calls to “go back to communist Russia”. The incident highlighted the ongoing tensions between secular and ultra-Orthodox communities over Shabbat observance in the capital.

Lieberman’s office released a statement defending his position on religious freedom and coexistence. “I believe in the principle of ‘live and let live'” the statement said. “It cannot be that drinking coffee on a Saturday morning becomes an act of civil courage.”

The MP also criticised the protesters’ conduct, pointing to vandalism at the scene. He argued that the energy being directed at the café would be better channelled toward external security threats. “These guys need to direct their energy against Hamas, against Hezbollah, against the Houthis—not here in Jerusalem against peaceful citizens,” his office stated.

The demonstration reflects deeper divisions in Israeli society over the role of religious law in public life. Ultra-Orthodox communities, who observe strict Shabbat restrictions prohibiting work and commerce on Saturdays, have increasingly sought to enforce these practices across Israeli cities, leading to conflict with secular residents who view such restrictions as imposing religious practice on non-believers.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.