An Ethiopian-born, Israeli-raised chef bringing authentic flavors to Harlem is exactly the kind of story patriotic Americans should celebrate — hard work, cultural pride, and small-business grit. Chef Beejhy Barhany has turned her life story into Tsion Cafe, a spot in Sugar Hill that blends Ethiopian, Israeli, and pan-African cuisine while also serving as a community hub.
Barhany’s journey from Ethiopia to Israel and then to New York is a reminder that American success still rewards those who show up, build something real, and share it with their neighbors. Her cookbook and community work reflect decades of commitment to preserving a proud Beta Israel heritage while educating others about Jewish diversity.
In a city where anti-Jewish pressure has unfortunately increased since the October 7, 2023 attacks, Barhany made the bold, principled choice to certify her cafe kosher and go fully vegan — a decision rooted in identity and courage, not convenience. That move was about more than menu choices; it was a stand against intimidation and a declaration that Jewish life and enterprise will not be shoved off the map.
Predictably, left-wing mobs and boycott lists tried to punish her for refusing to be privatized by hatred, with vandalism and slurs aimed at her business; yet she responded with hospitality and community outreach, not surrender. That resilience is the exact opposite of the appeasement we see from elites who too often side with the mob; real Americans back shopkeepers, moms and dads, and anyone who defends their right to live and worship in peace.
Meanwhile, the timeless Jewish comfort of cholent — the slow-cooked Sabbath stew — reminds us what we’re fighting to protect: tradition, family, and ritual that bind generations together. Visiting restaurants that still serve cholent is a small act of cultural patriotism, a way to honor Shabbat rhythms and the cuisines that make Jewish life rich and resilient.
If you care about religious liberty, public safety, and the survival of neighborhood institutions, supporting places like Tsion Cafe is simple common sense. Vote with your feet and your dollars: show up for businesses that refuse to bow to bullies, celebrate cultural diversity that strengthens our civic fabric, and reject the cynical forces that weaponize identity for political scorekeeping.
This is not just a feel-good food story — it’s a microcosm of the battle for normalcy in America and for the right to be proudly Jewish in public life. Stand with entrepreneurs who live their convictions, praise those who keep traditions alive, and don’t let radical voices set the terms of community in our cities.
