Trip to Jewish Cuba
Encyclopedia
Trip to Jewish Cuba is a 1995 short documentary film
that follows an American
-Jewish aid mission as it travels to Cuba
to observe and help the island's Jewish community.
before the Second World War, Cuba was among the first country in the Americas to take them in as refugees, and the Cuban Jewish community initially flourished. Numerous Yiddish newspapers were distributed and anti-Semitism
during the war years seems to have been non-existent. But later, the Communist revolution
led by Fidel Castro
drove out 90% of Cuban Jewry.
The revolution was not directly anti-Semitic, but it frowned on religion
in general, making life for practicing believers challenging. By 1989, what had once been a vibrant Jewish community had less than 800 practicing members.
Trip To Jewish Cuba points out just how much the Americans can learn from the Cubans they are ostensibly helping. Seeing the Cubans’ struggles makes their accomplishments seem that much more admirable, and causes the Americans to rethink their own sense of commitment. “The feeling inside the synagogue!” an American woman exclaims, noting, “These are people who are proud to be Jewish.” Unlike American Jews who can afford to take their faith for granted, Cuban Jews have to make a strong effort just to keep their tradition alive. Their enthusiasm to learn and pride in their accomplishments inspires their American visitors.
"Seeing this video is a great way to learn about the Jewish communities of Cuba through the eyes of American visitors of all ages. Especially helpful for those contemplating a trip."
Documentary film
Documentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...
that follows an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
-Jewish aid mission as it travels to Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
to observe and help the island's Jewish community.
Summary
When Jews were being persecuted in EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
before the Second World War, Cuba was among the first country in the Americas to take them in as refugees, and the Cuban Jewish community initially flourished. Numerous Yiddish newspapers were distributed and anti-Semitism
Anti-Semitism
Antisemitism is suspicion of, hatred toward, or discrimination against Jews for reasons connected to their Jewish heritage. According to a 2005 U.S...
during the war years seems to have been non-existent. But later, the Communist revolution
Revolution
A revolution is a fundamental change in power or organizational structures that takes place in a relatively short period of time.Aristotle described two types of political revolution:...
led by Fidel Castro
Fidel Castro
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz is a Cuban revolutionary and politician, having held the position of Prime Minister of Cuba from 1959 to 1976, and then President from 1976 to 2008. He also served as the First Secretary of the Communist Party of Cuba from the party's foundation in 1961 until 2011...
drove out 90% of Cuban Jewry.
The revolution was not directly anti-Semitic, but it frowned on religion
Religion
Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems, and worldviews that establishes symbols that relate humanity to spirituality and, sometimes, to moral values. Many religions have narratives, symbols, traditions and sacred histories that are intended to give meaning to life or to...
in general, making life for practicing believers challenging. By 1989, what had once been a vibrant Jewish community had less than 800 practicing members.
Trip To Jewish Cuba points out just how much the Americans can learn from the Cubans they are ostensibly helping. Seeing the Cubans’ struggles makes their accomplishments seem that much more admirable, and causes the Americans to rethink their own sense of commitment. “The feeling inside the synagogue!” an American woman exclaims, noting, “These are people who are proud to be Jewish.” Unlike American Jews who can afford to take their faith for granted, Cuban Jews have to make a strong effort just to keep their tradition alive. Their enthusiasm to learn and pride in their accomplishments inspires their American visitors.
Reception
June Safran, Executive Director, The Cuba-America Jewish Mission:"Seeing this video is a great way to learn about the Jewish communities of Cuba through the eyes of American visitors of all ages. Especially helpful for those contemplating a trip."