Jun 8, 2016

Federation’s Cuba Mission Explores Surviving Cuban Jewish Community

Last week, 35 Federation leaders traveled to Cuba to experience the island’s Jewish community firsthand. Chaired by Cuban-born George Feldenkreis, the mission included a number of traditional cultural stops, tours of Cuba’s synagogues, and the opportunity to study how Federation’s overseas partner agency, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), supports the island's Jews. “It was very impactful seeing the holy work JDC has accomplished on our behalf,” said Federation President and CEO Jacob Solomon. “Their programs and services have sustained Jewish life on the island for more than 20 years and it was remarkable to witness its renewal.”

The trip was deeply personal for Feldenkreis, who fled the country in 1961, and also for all those who accompanied him. At least 10 other travelers were born in Cuba or have family from the island. “It was an honor to host a group of people who are not only my friends, but whom I have grown to respect during the past 40 years of my work with Federation,” Feldenkreis said. “Plus, it gave me the opportunity to share important information about the origins of the Cuban Jewish community and illustrate the richness of Jewish traditions that have managed to survive through decades of political upheaval.” As the group’s guide, Feldenkreis even took the delegation to his family home and the Jewish cemetery where his ancestors – and those of other participants – were buried.

General Campaign Chair Jeffrey Scheck, whose mother, Raquel, was born in Cuba and had recently visited with his family, cherished seeing the work of JDC up close. “Our trip to Cuba enabled us to meet the people we have been helping through Federation, witness their way of life and hear their stories of survival during some very difficult times,” he said.

While the number of Jews living in Cuba has significantly decreased over the decades, their spirit and faith have remained strong. Three synagogues — one Sephardic, one Orthodox and one Liberal congregation — serve the community. Federation Board Chair Amy N. Dean was moved by the “strong loyalty of the young people to their country and religion.”

The group attended Shabbat services at the Patronato, Cuba’s central synagogue that has also been a base for JDC’s efforts. In addition to offering religious, educational and social programs, the Patronato houses a critical and life-sustaining central pharmacy that distributes much-needed prescription and over-the-counter medicines for free.

Without a permanent rabbi in Cuba, young people in the community proudly lead the service at the Patronato. Dean said, “It was tremendously moving to witness how people cannot be silenced, how the spirit cannot be held down. Despite the relatively small Jewish community, the synagogue was packed. Thanks to the passion of these young people, there’s a feeling of hope, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”