January Trip to Cuba |
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January, 1999 in Cuba A group of 15 adults, including 10 members of B'nai B'rith, traveled to Cuba in January, Our goal was to share Jewish knowledge and develop lasting connections with members of the Jewish communities of Santiago de Cuba, Guantanamo, Santa Clara, and Havana. Here are some observations from that trip. "I got caught up in the Safran's enthusiasm before we left and packed two full suitcases for Cuba. By the time we arrived in Havana and then Santiago, I resented them because I felt like a pack animal who was seduced into bringing all this stuff that was so burdensome to us. The warmth and congeniality of the Hatikvah group, the interchanges amongst us, the deep connections made in so brief a time were such that we ended up being sorry we didn't bring more. So our resentment turned into zeal and my admiration for June and Bob grew enormously. They were and are the catalysts that resurrected a moribund Jewish community into a vibrant, observing committed group that, though small, will continue the traditions we have shared for 4000 years……. With all of our many travels, we have never had such a personal and evocative experience and we thank June and Bob for the great MITZVAH they have done for Hatikva and Donna and me. We will continue our efforts to support June and Bob in their wonderful endeavor in Cuba." Jack Salem "Our thoughts about Santiago de Cuba: The warmth of the people, especially the Jewish community; after a day we felt like we were friends for many years. The needs of the community were so heartbreaking, but they had smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts. I found the children precious and just beautiful. The hotel was very nice, the food was good, and the pool was wonderful. We felt a little guilty when we though how the Cuban people live and the lack of food and medicines. We have to count our blessings that we live in a country like ours with freedom and abundance of everything." Harry and Ellen Rubinchik "Ida and I have traveled for the fifteen years of our marriage. Our trip to Cuba has been the highlight of them all. The people we met in Santiago were, in my opinion, the friendliest of any. The members of the synagogue were above all! One big family that you immediately feel like you are a part of....... June and Bob, you are doing a fabulous job of putting together these tours. Your dedication is unbelievable. Your sincerity and dedication makes everyone love you. You make us feel how lucky we were to be born and raised as Jews. At our age [80] I feel that we are limited in both time and ability, but we will be available to assist you in any way we can." Bert Heyman "My
first impressions were about the blue sky and balmy air and wind that threatened to blow
me across the street; then the nice hotel and a good night's sleep. When we met the people
and they were so friendly and warm, they made me feel so welcome that I started to look
closer at this Jewish community in Cuba. Day after day, as I got to know people like
Clara and Irene my admiration for them increased. We talked about personal freedom and how
much it meant to all of us…… The warmth of the congregation was wonderful and
the feelings of being accepted and being one of them was certainly more than I could have
ever expected. I want to return to Santiago but fear that I will not. My thoughts will be
with the fine people full of warmth and love and I'll be forever grateful to them for
sharing their life with me even for a short while." |