A funny detail keeps repeating itself on my walks through Merkaz HaCarmel. Karma Restaurant sits there glowing in bright turquoise signage, tables neatly arranged, plants lined up like a polite barrier, and yet… always empty. Not quiet-because-it’s-late empty, but the kind of empty that makes you wonder if you missed a review, a scandal, or maybe a local superstition.
Almost every time I pass, the owner steps out with a hopeful expression and a rehearsed invitation. And every time I politely decline, something strange happens — he shouts at me angrily as if refusing dinner is a personal offense. It’s awkward, a little comedic, and honestly the opposite of motivation to step inside.
Maybe the food is fine, maybe even great — I’ll never know. Because before a fork even touches a plate, hospitality happens at the door. The place may be perpetually empty not because of fate or bad luck, but because karma… well… has a sense of humor.
Administrative Order to Restrict Use of a Place (Translation)
State of Israel – Police
Administrative Order to Restrict Use of a Place
According to the Entry into Israel Law, 1952
By virtue of my authority under Section 12A of the Entry into Israel Law, 5712–1952, and after reviewing the material presented to me, I hereby determine that there is reasonable suspicion that at the business named “KARMA RESTAURANT,” located at 119 HaNasi Street (the “Place”), foreign nationals are being employed illegally, without permits, and that the Place is being used for activity that violates the law. This determination is based on findings collected by police units and immigration enforcement authorities, indicating repeated unlawful use of the Place in a manner that constitutes a serious violation.
Accordingly, after weighing the evidence, and pursuant to Section 12A(3)(b) of the law, I order the restriction of use of the Place, such that it shall be closed for a period of 30 days, starting on 19.1.26 and until 17.2.26 inclusive.
During the period of closure, entry to the Place is prohibited to any person except authorized employees, and no business activity of any kind may take place therein. The owner of the Place is required to take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with this order, including preventing entry, halting operations, and ensuring that no use is made of the Place during the restriction period.
Any request for cancellation or modification of this order must be submitted in writing, with supporting documents, to the Israel Police at the following email addresses: [email protected] and [email protected]. It is clarified that submission of such a request does not stay the execution of this order, unless explicitly decided otherwise by a competent authority.
This order is issued in order to prevent continued violations of the law, to protect public order, and to deter the unlawful employment of foreign nationals. Any person who violates this order will be subject to legal action in accordance with the law.
This order may be appealed in writing or by submitting a request for review to the competent court, no later than 17.2.26.
Signed,
Yael Ben-Hanan, Superintendent
Commander, Haifa District
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