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 […]
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The New York Jewish Travel Guide sat down with Aaron Laine, Chief Rabbi of the Ashkenazi Jewish community of Panama at Beth El Synagogue, to ask a few questions about Jewish life and the community in Panama. The following interview was edited for clarity: NYJTG: Thank you very much for your time, Rabbi. Could […]
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On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, the Italian National Tourist Board in New York City, in collaboration with NEOS and the Regions of Basilicata and Puglia, hosted a special presentation to announce the launch of NEOS Air’s new non-stop flight from JFK to Bari. The event drew a full house and featured a musical performance by […]
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With U.S. airlines relaunching nonstop flights to Ben Gurion Airport (TLV), and Israeli airline Arkia introducing a regularly scheduled charter from TLV to John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in February, renewed connections will make it easier for visitors to experience Israel’s rich history, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes once again. Tour operators are excited to […]
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During a recent Jewish Heritage press trip with Jewish Heritage Travel, I had the privilege of uncovering some of Havana’s most iconic landmarks, with a special focus on the city’s captivating bronze statues. These sculptures are much more than just art pieces; they are storytellers, encapsulating the soul of Havana’s past and present. Let’s delve […]
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I had the distinct privilege of embarking on an enriching Jewish heritage journey with Jewish Heritage Travel, titled The Jews of Cuba: A Marriage of Culture. The experience offered a unique opportunity to discover the rich history, traditions, and cultural legacy of Cuba’s Jewish community. Among the many remarkable stories shared during this journey, one […]
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The Sephardic Hebrew Center in Havana stands as a cornerstone of Jewish life in Cuba, preserving the cultural and religious identity of its community for generations. Founded by Sephardic immigrants from Turkey, Greece, and the Ottoman Empire, the center embodies the spirit of a community that left its homelands in search of opportunity and safety, […]
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The United Hebrew Congregation Cemetery in Guanabacoa holds not only the tombstones of those who passed but also the stories of Jewish immigrants whose legacies continue to shape Cuba’s cultural history. Tucked away in the municipality of Guanabacoa, on the outskirts of Havana, this cemetery—established in 1910—is the oldest Jewish burial ground in Cuba. It […]
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The story of Jewish life in Cuba is one of resilience, revival, and unwavering dedication, carried forward by a few extraordinary individuals whose passion and leadership preserved a vibrant community against the odds. Through decades of political and economic upheaval, leaders like Dr. Jose Miller, Adela Dworin, and Saul Berenthal emerged as the guardians of […]
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Many Americans are familiar with the heroic tale of Oskar Schindler, the German businessman who valiantly saved over 1,200 lives during the Holocaust by employing Jewish individuals in his factories and opposing Nazi efforts to remove them. However, the remarkable story of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese diplomat who defied his government’s orders and issued visas […]
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