JCRC-NY Launches Israel in NY Series with Harlem Gathering Celebrating Ethiopian Israeli Culture

Community leaders and elected officials sampled Kosher Ethiopian cuisine at Tsion Cafe in Harlem, learning about the Ethiopian Israeli community from the cafe's owner.

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HARLEM, NY (09/10/2025) (readMedia)-- On Wednesday afternoon, the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) launched its new Israel in New York series with a gathering at Tsion Cafe, an Ethiopian Israeli restaurant in Harlem. The event provided prominent local leaders and elected officials with insight into the Ethiopian Israeli experience in both New York and Israel. State Senator Leroy Comrie; Assemblymembers David Weprin, Brian Cunningham, Amanda Septimo, Micah Lasher, and Al Taylor; and Council Member Eric Dinowitz participated in the event, representing four boroughs.

Over a Kosher Ethiopian Israeli meal of duba, kik alicha, gomen, messer, jollof rice, and traditional Ethiopian coffee. Tsion Cafe's owner, Beejhy Barhany, shared her personal journey and uplifted the stories and contributions of Ethiopian Israelis. She explored how her community-an integral part of Israeli society whose stories are often untold in the U.S.-both influences and is influenced by Israel. At the end of the event, Barhany generously provided participants with copies of the cookbook she authored. Through storytelling, open dialogue, and a shared meal, participants left with a deeper appreciation of Ethiopian Israeli culture and identity.

Throughout the year, JCRC-NY will continue the Israel in NY series, hosting events that showcase the diversity of Israeli communities and perspectives in New York. The series aims to deepen New Yorkers' understanding of and connection to modern Israel.

"Beejhy's story highlights the richness and diversity of Israeli communities in our city. We are proud to launch the Israel in NY series by amplifying her voice and celebrating her delicious business," said JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger. "We thank Beejhy for her generosity, and all participants for engaging so thoughtfully in this shared experience. Events like this reflect JCRC-NY's mission to build bridges and strengthen connections between Jewish New Yorkers and the many communities that make up our diverse city. We look forward to continuing this work alongside our community and government partners with more events throughout the year."

"As someone who represents a large and diverse Black community and as a member of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, I found today's inaugural Israel in New York event at Tsion Cafe to be especially meaningful. Hearing Beejhy Barhany share her journey as a Black, Jewish, Ethiopian Israeli woman gave me valuable insight and a deeper appreciation for a community that continues to enrich both New York City and our state. Recognizing the diversity of multiracial Jewish communities in New York and Israel helps us build stronger connections, grow understanding, and stand united against hate. I thank JCRC-NY for creating this important space for dialogue and connection," said State Senator Leroy Comrie.

"My greatest triumph has been creating Tsion Cafe in Harlem-a space that celebrates the intersection of my Ethiopian, Jewish, Israeli, and New York identities. By opening in the former location of Jimmy's Chicken Shack, I've been able to honor Harlem's rich Black cultural history while introducing authentic Ethiopian Jewish flavors to the community. Hosting the inaugural Israel in NY event for elected officials and community leaders was a true honor, as it gave me the opportunity to share meaningful insights into our unique Ethiopian Jewish story through a shared cultural exchange. In a city as diverse as New York, I've learned that food is one of the most powerful ways to connect people across cultures and break down barriers, just as JCRC-NY continues to do every day," said Beejhy Barhany, owner of Tsion Cafe, entrepreneur, and author.

In addition to being the owner of Tsion Cafe, Barhany is a chef, author of the Gursha cookbook, activist, and founder of The Beta Israel of North America (BINA) Cultural Foundation.

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About JCRC-NY: JCRC-NY, a proud UJA-Federation of NY agency, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body with a mission to build relationships to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.