Mazel tov to Deborah Sorianno and Franco Canneti

on their October 2005 wedding in Havana. We received many emails from community members telling us how happy the couple was, how beautiful the wedding was, and how much fun they had at the party to which the community was invited. Deborah grew up in the community and teaches in the religious school. She is also one of the translators when groups come to the Patronato. Franco has recently returned to his heritage and found his true love at the synagogue

Mazel tov to Arturo Lopez Levy from Havana who has just completed a summer graduate fellowship at the Carter Institute in Atlanta, Georgia

 

Mazel Tov to Arturo Lopez Levy on receiving first prize in the 2005 Leonard Marks Foundation Essay Contest Award for Creative Thought and Writing on American Foreign Policy from the American Academy of Diplomacy. Arturo, who is at the University of Colorado in Denver, has been invited to present his paper to the State Dept. in Washington D.C. We wish him continued success in his chosen field of international politics.
 

Congratulations to Lula Peña Albo on her recent graduation from medical school and on passing the tests to become a practicing physician. Dr. Albo is both brilliant and warm hearted, a perfect combination to bring honor to her family and her profession. (Lula is the first woman on the left.)
 

NEWS FROM SANTIAGO

Mazel Tov to Xochy and Marcos Frometa on their recent Jewish wedding in Santiago de Cuba. We wish them a lifetime of happiness. (February 2005)

This summer (2002) brings occasions to acknowledge and celebrate:

Vicky

Vicky Delgado Farin has graduated from the University with Honors and will begin the process of job hunting. Mario Vicente Dorado has graduated from High School with excellent marks. Yolanda Cruz' daughter, Ariadna turned 16 in June. She is a lovely young lady who is making her family proud of her.

Happy July 22nd

Happy Birthday to Alejandro Farin- 16 years old on July 22nd. He has done well in school this year and will be studying English and Jewish subjects this summer.

Happy Anniversary to Eugenia Farin and Fernando Delgado - 24 years on July 22nd Eugenia continues to lead the Hatikva community with strength and compassion. She and Fernando are proud of both Vicky and Betty and are enjoying watching their new granddaughter develop and change on a daily basis.

The end of 2001 A great big Mazal tov to the Farin Family on the birth of Alejandra Sofia to Betty Delgado Farin and her husband Abilio on December 23rd, 2002. May she grow from strength to strength and always give her parents and extended family much joy.

Bar Mitzvah, David Budegin Farin, was the pride of the community one day before the birth of Alejandro Sofia, as he stood before the Torah and demonstrated his abillity to leyn Torah and to daven the service with a warm and devoted spirit. David has always been a joy to be around and now we have the additional pleasure to look forward to as he continues to participate in the community on holidays and Shabbat.

 

Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov, Mazel Tov

Everyone in the community is well and happy in July, 2001.

President Eugenia Farin and her husband, Fernando Delgado have just shared the joy of their 23rd wedding anniversary with a family party. We wish them many more years with increasing happiness each year.

Congratulations to Salomon Botton, Yolanda Cruz and their daughters on the 15th birthday of their daughter Ariadna. May she grow happy and beautiful and continue to make her parents proud.

Alejandro Aloma Farin turned 15 on July 22nd. He is a very special young man who makes his parents proud of him in the usual ways by doing well in school and being a good son. Alejandro, since his bar mitzvah, has been leading services and leyning Torah like a pro, with acuracy and feeling. Visitors, as well as community members, enjoy his warm,friendly personality. May he grow from strength to strength and continue to be a bright light in his community.

Top

SEFER TORAH RETURNS TO HATIKVA

Comunidad Hebrea Hatikva recently celebrated the return of its Sefer Torah from Panama where it was repaired.  This now kosher Sefer Torah that was first brought to Santiago from Turkey back in the 1920s was carried under a chupah from the street into the building and returned to its home in the ark.  Leaders of many communities across the island were present and joined the community in celebration.

Top

 

Mazel Tov to Tatiana Santos Mendez whose avocation is photography. In summer, 2004, she had the honor of doing a public exhibit. Here is her description of this marvelous event:

The exhibit was great!!!! The opening was amazing!!! Most of the young members of the Community were there and of the not very young also, of course there were many peoples who were not Jews, including art professors and photographers. My friend, Isaac Rousso, [B'nai B'rith president] was the person who open the exhibit and after his words we sang the Shejeianu. The rikudim dance group performed. It was a week at the movie theatre and then I moved the photographies to the Patronato where they are right now

 

Inauguration of the Holocaust Monument at the Jewish Cemetery of Santa Clara 

Last Sunday October 26, was the inauguration of the Holocaust Monument at the Jewish Cemetery of Santa Clara.

It was a very touching ceremony. It was attended by the members of the community in Santa Clara, the Presidents of the communities of Caibarien, Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus. As there was a JOINT's mission (from Guinsboro, South Carolina) were invited Jose Levy and somebody on behalf the Patronato. (Dr. Miller could not attend).

B'nai B'rith decided to hire a bus and we went all the members of the Board of B'nai B'rith, some other members and also we invited the President of the Youth organization.

It was attended also by representatives of different churches (Presbyterian, Baptist, etc.) as well as the Catholic bishop of the province [Villa Clara].

David Tacher gave the honor of unveiling the monument to Dra. Rosa Behar and to me, on behalf of the Women organization and B'nai B'rith. Please find attached the photo of the unveiling.

Best regards,

Isaac Rousso President B'nai B'rith Maimonides Lodge, Havana

 

General News from Cuba, September 2004

Hurricane Charley

Hurricane Charley and it's 185 km per hour winds brought damage to more than 70,000 homes, thousands of hectares of cultivated land water and telephone services to Western Cuba and Havana. 14,00 electrical poles , 28 high-tension towers and 291 transformers were downed by Charley.

Havana province witnessed damage to 798 educational facilities 312 health centers, 60 sports venues and 63 cultural buildings. More than 31,000 homes in the capital were affected, 469 totally destroyed while 8,000 area trees fell disrupting the flow of services.

Cuba's Drought Continues

Despite getting hit by Hurricane Charley, Cuba's reservoirs remain at 37% of capacity. In Camaguey, a 17km pipeline is being built to deliver 34 million cubic meters of water to the city while Holguin will soon benefit from a 52km pipeline from the Cauto River. Other areas hard hit include Las Tunas, Guantanamo and Havana.

Presently 1000s of people are receiving water in Holguin and Las Tunas from trucks as the areas largest reservoir is at 21% of capacity. Three reservoirs around Guantanamo are even worse at 14% and 20%  while one is all but dry.

Havana area reservoirs include La Coca ad La Zarza at 6% and 4% and while Bacuranao is at 92%, the pipeline is so poor delivery is impossible. 94,000 Havana residents are receiving their supplies via water trucks.


One Teacher per 36.8 Residents

President Fidel Castro opened the new school year with his annual speech at the Karl Marx Theatre by stating Cuba leads the world with one teacher per 36.8 inhabitants and has a 100% elementary school attendance. There are 2.8 million Cubans of all ages attending school in the 2004-2005 school year.

Top Quality Honey

Cuba is increasing honey production to better meet European demand. Cuba
collected 7,200 tons of honey during 2003, the largest yield in 12 years. This
year Cuba is set to produce more than 700 tons of specific honey from campanula
and mangrove plants, highly sought after for the honey's clarity and
freshness. Cuba also has the certified potential to sell 1500 tons of organic honey.


There are 200,000 hives on the island but only 144,300 are currently functioning. Production has been increased in both the horizontal and vertical sense by increasing the number of containers in order to raise the amount of honey stored. A digitized map of Cuba's vegetation allows a more productive placement of the hives. Payment to the over 2500 local growers has also been streamlined  to better reflect the quality and time to harvest. Honey is also being more widely used in domestic creams and nutritional products.

 

Sancti Spiritus community celebrated its first Bar and Bat Mitzvah since 1958

Mazel Tov to Sancti Spiritus This June, the community celebrated its first Bar and Bat Mitzvah since 1958. The parents are very proud of their two children but their joy does not stop with the children. The mother, Daisy converted last year and was remarried to her husband, Jose, under the Chupah in a religious wedding in Camaguey in early July. A big mazel tov to the Barlia family as they take their official places in the Jewish world of Cuba. We wish them a lifetime of blessings.

For details, click www.jdc.org/p_amer_cuba_ps_youth_bnaim.html

 

We received the following message from Shaindle Schmuckler, travel coordinator for the Marcus JCC in Atlanta, GA

 On  our first journey to Jewish Cuba, we were able to hand carry and deliver 2 stones from the streets of the Warsaw ghetto.  These were donated through the Holocaust Museum in Washington. The Warsaw Ghetto Stone that our first group brought to David Tacher, the leader of the Santa Clara Jewish community  was the first concrete step in the making of a memorial to the Shoa. This monument is intended to educate the Jewish community about this devastating time in our history..  The Stone sits proudly on the left side of the Memorial with an inscription. Through the MJCCA Humanitarian project, we plan to help bring 60 more stones to the community, which will become part of the walkway leading to the monument. These efforts have continually been coordinated by one of our past participants, Aida Waserstein.  With her help, the December participants will be bringing another stone.    

Our project manager, Miriam Saul, was able to see this memorial, and can attest to the fact that words can not describe the importance, and the beauty of this memorial.

David Tacher, president of Comunidad Or Jadash responded with the following message:

Que bueno saber que estas haciendo gestiones para las piedras, cuentame si la gente del Museo del Holocausto vieron las fotos y que les parecio a mi regreso el monumento se encuentra al 99%. Shalom.

Congratulations are in order for these devoted women who had the forsight to see the value of the project and who are making it happen.

Miriam Saul, Volunteer Project Manager

Shaindle Schmuckler, Coordinator

Volunteer/Community Services

 

A hearty MAZEL TOV to Yael and Ernesto Lopez Levy who  married on Friday April 18th, 2003.  The groom is Cuban and the bride is from Argentina.  They met when she was visiting several years ago, fell in love, and Yael returned to make her home in Cuba with Ernesto.  This was their civil marriage and was attended by the immediate members of the brides family,the Cuban relatives of the groom,  and Cuban friends of both the bride and groom.  There will be a Jewish ceremony in October in Argentina with the brides family and family friends. The couple celebrated with a trip to Varadero Beach for their honeymoon and when last seen, looked very, very happy.

Cuban Jewish Group Makes First-Ever Visit To Israel

By The Associated Press 07/08/2003

Ten Cuban Jews found themselves standing in awe at Judaism's holiest site on Thursday. Israel and Cuba have had no diplomatic ties since Cuba severed relations following the 1973 Mideast war. (...)

Taking in the site where the biblical Jewish Temples stood, by coincidence on the day when Jews mourn their destruction, Yohandi Crespo, 25, said, "This is just wonderful, very emotional." Crespo came from the town of Cameguey, which has a small community of 80 Jews.

The 10-day educational visit was organized by the "Taglit-birthright Israel" program, an Israeli government-backed plan that sponsors trips to Israel for Jewish youth. It is the first such group to visit, though some Cuban Jews have come to Israel on their own. (...)

For the group, many of whom had never been out of Cuba before, the trip to Israel was an emotional religious experience.

"I feel like I am walking in the Bible," said Miller. "You read about all these places and now we are here," he said, pointing at the Western Wall, part of Judaism's holiest site.

"I want to see the customs, the history, the people," said Victoria Delgado Farin, 23, a telecommunications worker from Santiago de Cuba. "These are the things that unite all the Jewish people in the world," she said.

Delgado Farin said that she was also here as an emissary of the rest of her community. "I am the eyes of everyone at home, I have to tell them everything I have seen," she said.

Miller said the trip would play an important part in reviving the Jewish community in Cuba that has dwindled from 15,000 before Castro's 1959 revolution to about 1,200 today.

Top

 

PALESTINIANS IN CUBA

People often ask about the relationship between Palestineans and Cuba. Jay Levinson, an Israeli reporter, recently sent us the following which he published in the Jerusalem Times:

Palestinians in Cuba 11/8/2001 by Jay Levinson

Palestine has maintained an embassy in Miramar, a quiet suburban Havana neighborhood, since the late 1970's. There are no political issues dividing Palestine and Cuba. There are no economic treaties between the two countries, hence no trade. The establishment of diplomatic relations was simply a symbolic statement of Cuban approval for Palestinian aspirations. With no points of contention and no issues to negotiate, what goes on in the Embassy of Palestine? Abdulla Younes, the son of Palestinian parents who once lived in Haifa, has been posted to the embassy since it opened 23 years ago. Now deputy to the ambassador and legal consul, Younis explained what he does eleven thousand miles away from the Foreign Ministry in Gaza. Since 1973, Cuban has provided scholarships for Palestinians to attend the numerous universities in the country.

The Embassy of Palestine deals with the adjustment and welfare of the approximately 35 Palestinians learning in Cuba. "This," as Younes explained, "is no small project." The five-year full scholarships cover journalism, law, medicine, engineering and veterinary studies. Palestinian students not only have problems learning subject matter. Adjustment to the Cuban way of life can be traumatic. After all, Palestine is a traditional society with strict expectations concerning religious conformity and modest deportment. Many Palestinian students have experienced crises living in Cuba, where religion is considered superfluous, pork is a staple, and sex is liberal. Yes, Younes does travel throughout Cuba, but much of his work is by telephone, keeping his "finger on the pulse" of the Palestinian students in the country.

What is expected of a Palestinian student abroad? "First of all, good grades," responded Younes. "Then, he should be active socially and politically in the Student Union. After all, these students do represent Palestine in Cuba." And, what is expected of the Palestinian after he completes his studies in Cuba? Younes' response was open-minded, remembering that he represents not only Palestine, but also Palestinians wherever they might live, "If there is work, they should return to Palestine. But, they can also go anywhere to help Palestinians."

There are now discussions underway with Cuban authorities concerning the possibility of accepting Cubans in Palestinian universities, but there is still a major stumbling block that even the most capable diplomats cannot overcome - it is much easier for Palestinians to learn Spanish than for Cubans to learn Arabic.

Israel? It would be very unnatural if the question were not raised. Younes' answer was very pragmatic, "Look, in Havana we are not going to resolve problems between Israel and Palestine. Our job is to promote good relations here in Cuba." For that reason Younes has sought meetings with the local Jewish community, to promote mutual understanding and lessen local tensions.

Another function of the Palestinian Embassy is to serve as a home away from home. It is an open house not only for Palestinians, but for others as well who are interested in the Palestinian experience in Cuba.

Top

 

RESPONSES TO THE SEPTEMBER 11TH TRAGEDY

My dear friends:

My condolence and simpathy for this irrational recent events that has affected so many people. We are also schocked, moved and touched with those happenings. You can definetly count with our prayers and most sincere desires of recovery and peace, as well as wefare in the days to come. May God guide your stops and watch over you in the days to come. We all feel very close to you.

Eugenia Farin Levy and all members of the Hatikva Synagogue in Santiago de Cuba.

Top

A VISIT TO OR JADASH IN SANTA CLARA

Marla and Barney Whitesman (Flint, Michigan) traveled to Cuba in June 2001 to visit Jewish communities and share their Jewish knowledge.  They were warmly welcomed everywhere including the community in Santa Clara, Or Jadash, where they delivered humanitarian aid, and shared their Jewish knowledge and expertise such as how to lay tefilin, as pictured below.

Top

 

ARE YOU AN ARTIST? WOULD YOU LIKE A FRIEND IN CUBA?

There are three artists that we are aware of in the Jewish community. They are interested in comparing ideas and techniques with Jewish artists in other places. If you would like such a pen pal, contact us at cajmorg@gmail.com.

Top

 

MAZAL TOV TO THE NEW ISRAELIS

Mazel tov to the Novoa Castiel family in Beeersheva. Roberto and Tamara Novoa announce that their daughter, Rosa Cecilia gave birth to their second grandchild, Daniela. Rosa Cecilia and Rafael are not the happy parents of two daughter, Gabriela and Daniela. The baby weighed in at 8.4 pounds and is 21.26 inches long. May she grow in good health, wisdom, and good deeds all the days of her life.

Jose Albo is enjoying his work for Israel Bonds. Jose, his wife, Marineli, and their almost 5-year old, Sabrina, have moved to Modiim but still work in Jerusalem where Sabrina continues in the same daycare. Happily, Marineli is pregnant again so the whole family, both in Israel and in Havana, are excitedly waiting for the birth of this new family member.

Andres Novoa works in research at Ben Gurion University in Beersheva. He recently purchased an apartment with his wife, Dania, his children, Andres, Jr and Rosie. We pray for the safety of Andres, Jr. who is in a tank division of the Israeli army.

Roberto Novoa, also works in chemical research and his wife, Tamara who specializes in the field of refrigeration, is enjoying each day as she cares for her granddaughter, Gabriela. Their son, The son, Roberto, Jr., is in the tank corps, like his cousin, Andres, Jr., but they are stationed in different places. May both boys remain safe. Their daughter, Rosa Cecilia, is a practicing physician who will soon have some months to spend with Gabby as she is expecting another child.

Eduardo Bradman is happy working as a partner with a small computer company and finds his new work very interesting. He has a lovely Sabra wife and a beautiful daughter born in January 2003. Eduardo writes, "As you must know, I am very happy," And, in Havana, his parents are delighted with his success both professionally and personally. They were able to attend the wedding in Israel but not able to return to see their new granddaughter. However, Eduardo puts her on the phone to let his parents hear the beautiful sounds she makes.

A special Mazel Tov to Nili Behar who has graduated from college with honors and is employed in an eyeglass shop both as a salesperson and as the assistant who keeps the office running efficiently. Not only does she like the work, but Eitan's office is nearby so that they can often spend lunchtime together.

 

Top

FROM CUBA TO ISRAEL: NEWS OF OUR CUBAN FRIENDS

News From Cuba

Words from a happy traveler:  I just returned a few days ago after an incredible, wonderful trip! Visiting  the Centro Hebreo was one of the most moving experiences of my trip.  I, and the other Jews with me. instantly felt welcomed and "at home."  I hope to return to Cuba soon and perhaps visit more Jewish sites next time. 

Reina Roffe, Director of Education in Camaguey's Hebrew School (Or Hadash) has returned from a 2 week seminar (sponsored by the Nachum Goldmann Memorial Foundation) in Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The seminar centered on establishing and maintaining Jewish Identity in Latin American countries.  Reina was the first speaker to address the 40  participants.  She outlined the hardships of life in general in Cuba and described the rebirth of the Community in Camaguey.  Reina, who is responsible for the education of the entire Community, was the only participant from Cuba.   February, 2001

Top

NEWS FROM HAVANA

PASSOVER 2000

Passover in Havana was a big affair with lots of community involvement and many visitors participating in community seders. A teacher from the school reports, " We are getting ready for Passover ... We are going to make the story of the magid through a film. It is going to be very interesting, specially new for kids. " Aparticipant from Los Angeles informed us that everyone at the seder was warm and friendly, making him feel very much a part of the Jewish community. Segments of the movie, "The Ten Commandments" with Charlton Heston were shown to illustrate the story of the Exodus.

Top

 

CUBANET reports the following from the Sacramento Bee of September 8,2000:

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) -- Librarians at the University of California at Berkeley and Cuba hope to build a bridge of books around the four-decade trade embargo between their two countries. Under a proposed agreement between Berkeley and the Jose Marti National Library of Cuba, Berkeley would receive copies of books as well as periodicals and post-revolutionary posters from Cuba. Berkeley would catalog and store the material, making them available to scholars across the country. It would also establish and manage a $5,000 fund to help buy U.S. research materials for the Cuban library. The exchange is legal, although materials will have to travel to the United States via Canada because of trade embargo restrictions. The deal has essentially been approved, although a few points remain to be worked out on a plan to digitize the Cuban posters and put them on the Internet, said Carlos Delgado, librarian for Latin American collections at UC Berkeley.

Top