Powerful stories heard at LBCC’s first-ever Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration

Students, faculty, and members of the Long Beach community listened to a discussion between author and chef Beejhy Barhany and the CEO of Jewish Long Beach, Erik Ludwig, at LBCC’s first Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration. 

This is the first time LBCC has held an event for Jewish American Heritage Month, following the resolution that was passed in 2021, which saw the school opt to recognize and celebrate the month.

During the discussion, Barhany shared her journey living in Ethiopia, growing up in Israel, and opening a restaurant in New York that blends Ethiopian and Mediterranean cuisine. 

Barhany has embraced her identity as an Ethiopian, Israeli-American Jewish woman and has told her story to try to amplify that. 

Barhany has found a way to connect people within the community through food, particularly at her restaurant in New York, named Tsion Cafe. 

“We’ve been nourishing the community for almost 12 years,” Barhany said. “I do not shy away from my identity of being an Ethiopian and Israeli woman.” 

Following the October 7 attacks and Israel’s retaliation, Barhany and her restaurant began to receive hate from members of the community. 

“People started attacking us, which means harassment over a phone call, bad reviews, you name it,” Barhany said. 

Despite the hate, Barhany highlighted the importance of love and shared how connected all of us truly are. 

“At the end of the day, we’re all interconnected,” Barhany said. “We went through the struggles, and there are a lot of similarities, so let’s get back to that unity and really conquer hate with love.”

^{CEO of Jewish Long Beach Erik Ludwig speaks with guests at LBCC’s Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration at the Liberal Arts Campus on May 4. (Liam Hollon)}

Ludwig, who also spoke at the event, highlighted just how important Barhany’s message was for students, faculty, and community members alike. 

“Speakers like chef Beejhy Barhany provide narratives that expand people’s understanding of Jewish diversity,” Ludwig said. “It highlights underrepresented stories and helps individuals see Jewish life as multifaceted across race, culture, and religion.” 

Superintendent-President Mike Munoz also highlighted the benefits of holding events such as this on campus, specifically how it helps students. 

“They tend to do well in school, that’s what the research suggests,” Munoz said. “Students are more likely to persist, and students are more likely to earn their degrees.” 

Beejhy Barhany’s powerful story and traditional Jewish music made the first LBCC Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration a successful and powerful event for Jewish members of the Long Beach community. 

^{Cantor Kelly Cooper sings traditional Jewish songs at LBCC’s Jewish American Heritage Month Celebration. The event was held at the Liberal Arts Campus on May 4. (Liam Hollon)}