Traveling to Cuba on a Jewish heritage journey was not just a cultural exploration but also a deeply personal encounter with a complex history often overlooked. I had the distinct privilege of participating in Jewish Heritage Travel’s The Jews of Cuba: A Marriage of Culture, an immersive experience that revealed the fascinating and often surprising role of the Jewish community in Cuba’s historical narrative. This journey allowed me to walk in the footsteps of Jewish immigrants who sought refuge and opportunity on the island, uncovering stories of resilience, cultural blending, and activism.
One chapter that stood out was the pivotal, yet lesser-known, role Jewish pioneers played in Cuba’s Communist movement. It was both unexpected and moving to discover how Jewish immigrants, many from Eastern Europe, became central figures in Cuba’s labor struggles, union organizing, and Communist Party activities. This hidden aspect of Jewish-Cuban history highlights the intersection of political ideals and immigrant identity, creating a unique legacy that still resonates today.
Sarah and Jacob Waisman, Polish immigrants who arrived in Havana in the 1920 were among the first to advocate for labor unions among Jewish workers, and their work was instrumental in the early successes of organized labor in Cuba. Their leadership empowered a generation of Cuban workers, particularly in the garment industry. Both had been involved in labor movements in Europe and, upon their arrival in Cuba, quickly became grassroots organizers. Their efforts were central to the formation of unions, particularly among garment workers and small shop owners, many of whom were fellow Jewish immigrants. Sarah became a vocal advocate for women’s rights within the labor movement.
Another compelling figure was Moises Azuelos, a Sephardic Jew from Turkey who found work as a cigar roller in Havana’s booming tobacco industry. His fluency in Ladino, Spanish, and Yiddish allowed him to bridge cultural divides between Jewish workers and their Cuban colleagues. Moises became known not only for his skill at the rolling table but also for his ability to rally workers to demand better wages and safer conditions. His quiet leadership earned him respect both in the factory and within Havana’s growing community of Jewish labor activists.
Perhaps the most iconic of these figures was Fabio Grobart, a Polish-born Jew who became a founding member of the Cuban Communist Party. Grobart’s ideological commitment to Marxism, shaped by his experiences in Eastern Europe, combined with his status as an immigrant and a Jew, made him a uniquely influential voice within Cuba’s leftist movements. His legacy is both celebrated and debated, but his story highlights the inextricable link between Jewish immigrant history and Cuba’s broader struggle for social justice.
As the Cuban Revolution unfolded and Fidel Castro’s government took control, the relationship between the Jewish community and the new regime began to change. With the embrace of Marxist-Leninist ideology, the government-imposed restrictions on religious practices, affecting all faiths. This secular shift severely curtailed Jewish religious life, leading to the closure or heavy oversight of synagogues, community centers, and religious schools, making it increasingly difficult to practice Judaism.
As Cuba’s revolution grew more rigid, Jewish activists who once supported its ideals found themselves sidelined. With increasing restrictions on religion and political dissent, Jewish participation declined. By the 1960s, disillusionment and emigration to the U.S., Israel, and Latin America further eroded their presence in Cuba’s political sphere.
Jewish Heritage Travel provides a unique lens into the intersection of Jewish life with political movements, social justice, and cultural exchange. Through immersive experiences, the program highlights the lasting influence of Jewish communities on global history. Whether in Cuba or beyond, each journey offers a deeper understanding of how Jewish heritage extends beyond religious traditions to inspire change and solidarity. Jewish activists and labor organizers played a key role in shaping Cuba’s leftist politics, blending immigrant experiences with socialist and nationalist struggles.
Today, Cuba’s Jewish community remains committed to preserving its cultural and religious heritage, yet its involvement in the nation’s political life has largely become a historical memory—a fascinating chapter in Cuba’s revolutionary journey. Jewish Heritage Travel illuminated this forgotten history, offering a personal and universally significant experience. Their stories serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring values of solidarity and social justice. These Jewish pioneers, though no longer a political force, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
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Story by Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide and New York Jewish Guide.
This unforgettable journey was graciously hosted by The Jewish Heritage Travel, with heartfelt thanks to Luis Arteaga and Miriam Levinson for organizing such a remarkable and unique experience.
Special thanks to Vickie Prince for her knowledgeable and engaging guiding, bringing Havana’s hidden gems and history to life with her insights and enthusiasm.
For details on upcoming trips and to request a travel brochure, contact The Jewish Heritage Travel at https://jhtravel.org/ or call 1.845.256.0197.
