It appears that a number of politically active secularists have succeeded in obtaining City Hall approval to operate a caf� in the Kiryat Yovel area of Yerushalayim. This caf� will be operating all week, including Shabbos. The caf� will operate like a co-op and residents will buy shares and man the business.

The idea reportedly came from Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who told reporters in the past �Jerusalem should resemble Berlin, Amsterdam and Dublin where they have pubs and cafes under almost every apartment building.�

The organizers feel that they have found a way to prevent chareidi opposition, indicating they will not accept cash on Shabbos but prepaid cards that can be punched by employees when a purchase is made.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)