Haredi

Jerusalem cafe will remain open on Shabbat despite ultra-Orthodox protest, owner says

The Jerusalem Post magazine had highlighted Cafe Basimta last week as a new specialty caffeine spot which could serve as a "home away from home" for those seeking a quiet area in Jerusalem.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters outside of the Basimta cafe on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Soldiers graduate from the Hashmonaim Brigade, July 1, 2026.

WATCH: Haredi IDF soldiers graduate Hashmonaim Brigade's first officer training course

Indian ambassador J.P. Singh (left) and Jerusalem Botanical Gardens CEO Tom Amit planting a lotus.

Grapevine, July 3, 2026: Presidential terms

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir seen on November 3, 2025

Soldiers are 'most important resource,' IDF chief says as haredi draft bill advances in Knesset


Knesset advances bill to enshrine Torah study into Basic Law, supporting haredi draft evaders

It proposes that the State of Israel "recognize those who commit themselves to long-term dedication to Torah study as performing significant service to the state and the Jewish people."

MK Tally Gotliv and and MK Ofir Katz attend a House committee meeting at the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament in Jerusalem on, June 9, 2026.

Israel’s future belongs to its builders, not its hooligans - opinion

Israel’s hooligans may grab attention, but its soldiers, parents, and builders are shaping the nation’s future.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is seen giving a statement in Ottowa, on Monday. Carney created a paper-tiger commission to playact at fighting antisemitism, featuring at least one jihadi apologist, the writer says.

Grapevine: Fiscal support for the ultra-Orthodox

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

Border Police go about coronavirus inspections in Mea Shearim, a haredi neighborhood in Jerusalem.

Ministerial committee approves Torah Study bill amid coalition tensions

Netanyahu’s coalition advances the Torah Study law, despite opposition and warnings that the bill could worsen draft evasion amid Israel’s manpower shortage.

Shas leader MK Aryeh Deri seen during a Shas party meeting, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on January 23, 2023.

Jerusalem Pride turned a divided city into a celebration of belonging - opinion

Jerusalem Pride is for those of us who believe in the dignity of every human being, regardless of who they love, how they pray, or where they come from.

THOUSANDS TAKE part in the annual Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem, on June 4, 2026.

Haredi protesters block Jerusalem road over false reports of draft dodger arrest

In addition, Jerusalem District Police raided the homes of suspects connected to the June 1 haredi riots in Beit Shemesh.

Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men clash with police during a protest against construction work on the Jerusalem Light Rail in the Bar-Ilan area of Jerusalem, June 8, 2026; Illustrative.

Deri says Shas supports draft evaders during prison visit, calls to add Torah study to Basic Law

The visit was made to the Neve Tzedek Military Prison, and Deri was accompanied by other lawmakers from his party, including MK Michael Malkieli and Haim Biton.

SHAS PARTY leader Arye Deri visits military prison expressing support for draft evaders, Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Ultra-Orthodox protesters block Jerusalem's Tunnel Checkpoint after draft dodger arrested

Border Police officers from the Jerusalem periphery unit and Jerusalem District police officers are operating at the scene.

HAREDI PROTESTERS block Highway 1, June 1, 2026.

Israel is taxing its future to subsidize those who do not serve - opinion

The burden of war falls on young reservists, while Israel's budget rewards those who do not share the sacrifice.

 IDF soldiers in a swearing in ceremony. February 27, 2025.

Israel must stop tolerating anti-draft anarchy - opinion

The young men and women who put their lives on the line for all of us, including the yeshiva students, display more courage by realizing that a nation that will not defend itself is not worth saving.

Ultra-Orthodox Jews carry a banner in Hebrew that reads, “to prison and not the army,” during a “million man” protest against military conscription, in Jerusalem October 30, 2025.