I'm in Havana
with a leadership group from the ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of
Baltimore, a really great group, eager to learn about the Jewish community and
what JDC is doing here. We’re escorted by our amazing JDC professional team on
the ground Allie and Lulo.
One element came out in a lunch meeting with volunteers from
the Jewish community: a theme that was repeated by several younger and older
members of the community in their discussions. We are all Cubans, they said. We’re
proud, we love our community, we love our country. They can all leave, and all
of them have visited Israel ,
have been to other places. But first and foremost we’re Cubans. And because we’re
Jewish we’re uniquely privileged. Not just because of the material support that
JDC and our federations bring – although that’s critical. And not just because
of the sense of partnership and community – although that’s critical too. But
also because we are thirsty for this sense of belonging and identity. Our parents
couldn’t have it. It was forbidden. But now we have a chance to enjoy it. And we
want it.
