In early May 2025, Stan Polovets, Co-founder and Chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation, journeyed to Cuba’s capital for a meaningful exchange with leaders of the local Jewish community. His visit to Havana came at a challenging period for the island nation, which continues to grapple with widespread economic difficulties.
The meeting occurred at Beth Shalom Synagogue, the largest Jewish house of worship in Cuba, known locally as El Patronato. There, Polovets engaged with Hella Askenazi, Vice President of both the synagogue and the Cuban Jewish community, along with several other community figures involved in Jewish educational initiatives, youth programs, and elder care services.
What made this encounter particularly memorable was the setting itself—the meeting proceeded despite rolling blackouts affecting the area, with participants relying on the illumination from their mobile devices to see one another. This circumstance provided a powerful metaphor for the community’s determination to maintain its traditions despite external challenges.
“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,” Stan Polovets observed following the encounter.
During his time in Cuba, Polovets noted something remarkable about the local Jewish community’s situation compared to his experiences elsewhere. “Unlike every other Jewish community I’ve visited worldwide—including in the United States—there are no guards in front of the synagogue,” he remarked, highlighting the virtual absence of antisemitism in Cuban society and the flourishing religious life despite material hardships.
The timing of Stan Polovets’ visit is significant as it aligns with the Genesis Prize Foundation’s growing engagement with Latin American Jewish communities. This focus has intensified following the selection of Argentinian President Javier Milei as the 2025 Genesis Prize laureate, recognized for his strong support of Israel and the Jewish people.
Polovets specifically commended the Cuban Jewish community for demonstrating courage in their public stance following the October 7th attacks. When Cuban authorities placed blame on Israel after the massacre, the Jewish community issued a statement declaring that “Justifying [Hamas’] reprehensible acts of crime and savagery’ [on October 7 is unacceptable– a bold position that contrasted with the silence of many other Jewish organizations throughout Latin America.
Cuba’s Jewish heritage stretches back centuries to when conversos arrived with Spanish explorers in the 1500s. The community experienced significant growth during the 20th century, reaching approximately 15,000 members before the Revolution of 1959, which prompted massive emigration. Today’s much smaller community, under a thousand, relies heavily on support from international organizations like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
“The Genesis Prize Foundation recognizes the incredible perseverance of Cuban Jewry,” Stan Polovets stated. “Their story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people.” He emphasized the critical importance of continued support from private foundations and donors working alongside established organizations to ensure this unique community’s continuity.
Through his leadership role at the Genesis Prize Foundation, Stan Polovets continues to advance initiatives strengthening Jewish identity worldwide while bringing attention to communities facing distinctive challenges in preserving their heritage and traditions.
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