By In a notable diplomatic engagement highlighting The Genesis Prize Foundation’s expanding Latin American outreach, Co-founder and Chairman Stan Polovets recently concluded a significant visit to Cuba’s Jewish community. His early May 2025 journey to Havana showed how this small but determined community maintains its traditions despite the considerable economic challenges currently facing the island nation.
Polovets’ visit was a central engagement at Beth Shalom Synagogue, locally known as El Patronato, where he met with Vice President Hella Askenazi and other community leaders responsible for Jewish education, youth initiatives, and elder care programs. The meeting proceeded under challenging circumstances that symbolized Cuba’s current difficulties—it was conducted largely in darkness due to rolling blackouts, with participants relying on cell phone illumination to navigate their discussions.
Following this encounter, Stan Polovets reflected: “Despite immense problems caused by economic mismanagement by the Communist government – exacerbated by the U.S. embargo imposed over 60 years ago – the Jewish identity of Cuban Jews shines brightly, and quite literally, in the dark.” He described the community’s resilience as “deeply inspiring,” particularly given its small size of fewer than one thousand members.
During his time in Havana, Polovets observed a striking contrast between security arrangements at Jewish institutions in Cuba and those virtually everywhere globally. “Unlike every other Jewish community I’ve visited worldwide – including in the United States – there are no guards in front of the synagogue,” he noted, highlighting what he characterized as “almost no antisemitism in the country” despite its numerous socioeconomic challenges.
Stan Polovets explained that his Cuban engagement represents part of The Genesis Prize Foundation’s intensified focus on Jewish communities throughout Latin America, which has gained particular momentum following the selection of Argentinian President Javier Milei as the 2025 Genesis Prize laureate. “President Milei was selected for his unwavering support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” Polovets stated, citing specific policy commitments including moving Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem and pursuing justice for victims of terrorist attacks targeting Jewish institutions in Argentina.
Polovets specifically commended the Cuban Jewish leadership for demonstrating moral courage in the aftermath of October 7, when they publicly rejected their government’s anti-Israel rhetoric. While many Jewish organizations throughout Latin America remained silent, Cuba’s Jewish community issued a statement declaring that justifying Hamas’ “reprehensible acts of crime and savagery” was “unacceptable”—a bold position given their political environment.
The Jewish presence in Cuba has deep historical roots, dating back to the 16th century when conversos accompanied Spanish explorers to the island. The community peaked in the mid-20th century with over 15,000 members before the 1959 Revolution, which triggered widespread emigration. Today’s much smaller community relies significantly on international support, particularly from organizations like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).
“The Genesis Prize Foundation recognizes the incredible perseverance of Cuban Jewry,” affirmed Stan Polovets. “Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.” He emphasized the importance of private foundations and individual donors joining established organizations like the JDC in supporting “this resilient and unique community.”
Beyond his philanthropic leadership with The Genesis Prize Foundation, Stan Polovets maintains an active presence in global business circles with a particular commitment to strengthening Jewish identity worldwide. His engagement with Cuba’s Jewish community exemplifies the Foundation’s broader mission of highlighting diverse Jewish experiences while fostering stronger connections between Latin American nations and Israel, particularly in recognition of their 2025 laureate, President Milei.
Through his ongoing work, Polovets continues to advance initiatives supporting Jewish communities facing significant challenges while bringing attention to their remarkable determination to preserve heritage and traditions despite difficult circumstances. Cuba’s small but proud Jewish population serves as a powerful example of such resilience.
