Citing anti-Israel backlash, NYC's only Ethiopian-Israeli eatery ends regular dine-in hours

Tsion Cafe, the sole Ethiopian-Israeli restaurant in New York City, located in Harlem, has announced it will cease regular dine-in operations and transition to an events-only model. Owner Beejhy Barhany, an Ethiopian-Israeli who immigrated to the U.S. at 17, cited a significant increase in anti-Israel harassment and backlash as the primary reason for this difficult decision. The harassment, which includes online attacks, negative reviews, boycott calls, and verbal abuse from passersby, intensified dramatically following the October 7 attacks in Israel, leading to a 50-70% decline in business. Barhany noted that the situation worsened after the restaurant pivoted to a kosher menu in 2023, making it the first kosher Ethiopian restaurant in NYC. While this move was intended to broaden its customer base and serve the Jewish community, it inadvertently made Tsion Cafe a more visible target for anti-Israel sentiment. The restaurant, which Barhany established as a cultural bridge showcasing Ethiopian and Israeli food, art, and music, has been a hub for diverse communities. Despite the challenges, Barhany remains resilient, expressing her commitment to continuing her mission through private events and catering, and potentially exploring new concepts or locations in the future. This closure reflects a broader trend of Jewish and Israeli-owned businesses facing increased antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment globally.