Black Woman Closes Restaurant Due to Ongoing Harassment from Leftists

Harlem Restaurant Closes Amid Harassment and Allegations of Anti-Semitism

The proprietor of an Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant in Harlem has announced the closure of his establishment to regular dining due to harassment and accusations of anti-Semitism.

Beejhy Barhany, who owns Tsion Cafe, indicated that hostility towards his restaurant escalated following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which ignited a conflict with Hamas. He expressed feelings of demoralization stemming from the hate and harassment directed at him.

“I answered the phone once at the restaurant, and the caller said, ‘You dirty Jew. We should wipe you off the map,’” Barhany recounted.

“It’s really disheartening to see so many bigots in the world. I can’t wrap my head around it. We just can’t handle this anymore,” he added.

Barhany stated that the restaurant has ceased regular meal service and is now accepting only group reservations arranged in advance, pivoting his business model to create a more immersive cultural experience.

He mentioned that hostility increased after a menu change in February 2024, during which he opted to serve vegan and kosher meals.

“I was proud to showcase my Jewish identity, but once we went kosher, the situation took a turn for the worse,” he said.

Furthermore, he recalled an incident where a group of young individuals allegedly made disparaging remarks while his staff member was outside. They supposedly stated, “Don’t ever come here. This is the property of the Israelis. This is the property of the Zionists.”

Barhany, originally from Ethiopia, lived in a Sudanese refugee camp for three years before relocating to southern Israel. He later settled in Kibbutz Al-Mim near Gaza, served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), traveled extensively, and ultimately made his home in New York City in his early twenties. He opened Tsion Cafe in 2014.

Additionally, according to his biography, Barhany established the Beta Israel of North America Cultural Foundation, which aims to celebrate the heritage of Ethiopian Jews.

On February 12, the restaurant posted on its Instagram account expressing gratitude for community support and encouraging respectful dialogue with those who may disagree.

“We truly appreciate the love we have been receiving. Thank you. We invite those who feel distanced from us or who disagree, especially if we’ve never met, to engage in respectful conversations. You don’t have to agree with us to listen or be heard,” the statement noted.

Following the harassment incidents which led to the restaurant’s closure, the Jewish Community Relations Council lodged a formal complaint with Attorney General Letitia James and Mayor Zoran Mamdani, requesting a civil rights investigation.