Cuba, renowned for its vintage cars and world-famous music, is also home to a proudly Jewish community that has experienced a remarkable resurgence since the early 1990s. The JDC takes pride in partnering with this vibrant island community, working together to nurture and cultivate a thriving Jewish future in Cuba.

Let us explore the rich history of Jewish life in Cuba, the challenges faced by the community, and the Joint’s ongoing initiatives to support and strengthen Jewish life on the island.

Cuba’s Jewish heritage dates back centuries, with legends suggesting that Jews first arrived on the island in 1492, alongside Christopher Columbus. However, the first official Jewish community was established by American immigrants in 1906. Despite facing various obstacles, the community thrived until the Cuban Revolution in 1959, when a significant number of Jews emigrated to Israel, impacting the foundation of Cuba’s Jewish community.

Since 1992, when the Cuban government lifted its ban on religious practice, Jewish life has experienced a revival on the island. Cuban Jews have dedicated themselves to reconnecting with their heritage and forging a vibrant Jewish future. JDC, invited by the community to provide support, has played a crucial role in bolstering Jewish life in Cuba through a range of community-building initiatives.

Impact and Support, the Role of the Joint (JDC)

For over three decades, JDC has been actively involved in supporting the Cuban Jewish community. Initiatives include the renovation of Havana’s flagship Patronato synagogue, a central hub of Jewish life in Cuba. JDC has sponsored numerous programs promoting Jewish culture and engagement, strengthening the connection between Jewish Cuba and the wider Jewish world.

COVID-19 Support

The COVID-19 pandemic posed additional challenges for the already vulnerable Cuban Jewish community. However, JDC swiftly stepped in to provide support. Weekly Shabbat dinners, serving communal meals to hundreds of Jews, became a lifeline for at-risk and elderly citizens, addressing food shortages and rationing systems. JDC’s support continues, with food packages now reaching over 120 vulnerable families.

Cultivating a Jewish Future

JDC’s commitment to promoting Jewish life in Cuba is reflected in its support for over 20 programs. These initiatives empower the Cuban Jewish community to forge their own future, one that is authentic, relevant, and exciting. From facilitating visits by rabbis to organising bar and bat mitzvah training, Sunday schools, and cultural programs like the Rikudim dance class, JDC fosters a vibrant Jewish identity in Cuba.

JDC’s partnership with the Cuban Jewish community has been instrumental in reviving and strengthening Jewish life on the island. Through their support, initiatives, and ongoing commitment, JDC continues to play a vital role in cultivating a bright Jewish future in Cuba. The journey of rebuilding and reconnecting with Jewish heritage in Cuba serves as an inspiring example of resilience, determination, and the power of community.

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