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<h2>With the Jewish Community of Cuba</h2><p>There are nights that stay in memory forever. Not because they are perfect, but because they are true. The night of this past Wednesday, April 1st, was one of those nights. At the Beth Shalom Synagogue (El Patronato), we gathered to live a Passover Seder that became yet another link in a chain of 120 years of Jewish presence on this island.</p><p>In this year 2026, our community celebrates 120 years of uninterrupted history in Cuba. 120 years of dreams, of arrivals, of quiet prayers and shared celebrations. 120 years of resisting, adapting, and, above all, continuing to be Jewish in the heart of the Caribbean. In every Seder, in every generation, the Jewish people relive the exodus from Egypt not only as a historical event but as a call to reaffirm our identity, our unity, and our commitment to communal life.</p><h2>A table where we all fit</h2><p>That afternoon, as we walked through the doors of the Patronato, something special was in the air. We knew that the path to freedom is arduous and complex… but possible! As long as we have faith in G-d and walk together. And so we did.</p><p>Every step of the Seder was guided by different members of the congregation: young people, adults… and even the little ones! This demonstrated that our entire kehilá is involved and committed to preserving our Judaism. Because when we gather, when we share the matzah, when we tell the Haggadah together, we reaffirm that we continue walking as one, preserving our legacy and building our future.</p><figure id="figure-x2pv1pi6bkmnhusim6"><img id="x2pv1pi6bkmnhusim6" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2f9w3khQ8ozp9y5fSWQO3rBOqe4uQcv9mccAwIWZQ14v8UZLbyjzIwpegw09uCHX.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2f9w3khQ8ozp9y5fSWQO3rBOqe4uQcv9mccAwIWZQ14v8UZLbyjzIwpegw09uCHX.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>We received encouraging messages from our rabbi, in the voice of Albertico Behar, leader of the religious services group. And our dear Marlen Prinstein, president of the Hebrew Women's Association of Cuba, brought joy and gladness to the night, cheering us all on. Because on Passover, we also dance, we also sing, we also celebrate life. Before the evening ended, our president David Prinstein shared words with us that still resonate in every corner of our community. He reminded us that Cuban Jews are a strong, united community, defenders of tradition and religious practice. That is why we have not only a present but also a future!</p><h2>The four cups: a toast to freedom</h2><p>Throughout the Seder, we raised the four cups of wine. Each one carries a profound meaning that touches us as Jews and also as Cubans.</p><figure id="figure-df23v5obormnhuwst5"><img id="df23v5obormnhuwst5" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2cuCwtjqJGylaMNU0S5SlG1nTYCFLRAZQZojNd8oRV0aDrH5Yu6mlwnHTFCCXIZN.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2cuCwtjqJGylaMNU0S5SlG1nTYCFLRAZQZojNd8oRV0aDrH5Yu6mlwnHTFCCXIZN.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;"></figure><p>The first cup is the cup of sanctification, the Kiddush. With it, we declare that this time is sacred, different from any other. In Havana, amidst the noise and daily difficulties, raising that first cup was an act of spiritual resistance: declaring our gathering, our memory, and our identity as sacred.</p><p>The second cup is the cup of the plagues. As we recited each of the ten plagues that fell upon Egypt, we emptied a drop of wine from our cups. But on this night, we could not help but think of the contemporary plagues that still afflict our world and our beloved Cuba: the lack of communication that isolates families, the scarcity that knocks on doors, the discouragement that clouds hearts, the violence that darkens nations, the hatred that disguises itself as truth, the terrorism that haunts the Jewish people time and again, and that silent plague: indifference to the suffering of others.</p><p>We poured a drop for each of those modern plagues. Not to celebrate the pain, but to recognize it, to name it, and thus to be able to fight it. Because Passover teaches us that liberation begins when we refuse to accept oppression as destiny.</p><p>The third cup is the cup of redemption. We raised it with the hope that, just as our ancestors crossed the Red Sea toward the Promised Land, we too may cross our own seas of uncertainty. In Cuba, the sea surrounds us, but it also connects us to our history. We toast that cup for daily redemption: for the reunion with a loved one, for an act of neighborly solidarity, for the strength to continue being a community despite everything.</p><p>The fourth cup is the cup of Elijah, the most hopeful of all. It is the cup we leave undrunk on the table, open for the prophet to enter and announce the final redemption. In our Cuban Jewish community, that cup reminds us that we still await better times, that full liberation has not yet arrived, but that we keep the door open and our faith kindled. Then, after opening the door, we drink a fifth cup dedicated to the State of Israel, showing our commitment to its presence and strength in this world, for all eternity.</p><h2>The afikoman and the search that never ends</h2><p>One of the most beautiful moments of the Seder was, as every year, the search for the afikoman. The youngest members of the community ran between the tables, with lots of laughter, looking for that hidden piece of matzah. As we watched them, we understood something profound: the afikoman is not just a game. It is a metaphor for our own lives as Cuban Jews.</p><figure id="figure-22bcpdoaabmnhuy8rz"><img id="22bcpdoaabmnhuy8rz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32s8r1VIeVLJQlKb7j2lyekE5IZwwDL9KvTPiGzus2wOqdrpVT2FaD2SxlcFKJAq.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32s8r1VIeVLJQlKb7j2lyekE5IZwwDL9KvTPiGzus2wOqdrpVT2FaD2SxlcFKJAq.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure><p>Sometimes we feel that something essential is hidden, that fullness slips through our fingers. But tradition teaches us that we must keep searching, because at the end of the Seder, that piece of matzah is found, shared, and eaten together. That is our community: a constant search for meaning, for connection, for freedom. And when we find what we are looking for—a smile, a helping hand, an embrace—we share it at the common table.</p><h2>In every generation, one must see oneself as if they had left Egypt</h2><p>The Haggadah commands us: "In every generation, each person must see themselves as if they had left Egypt." And that night, sitting in our tables, that is exactly what happened.</p><p>It was not an intellectual exercise. It was an embodied experience. On the palate, the bitter taste of the herbs (maror) reminded us of the harshness of slavery. That slavery which in the contemporary world takes many forms: lack of freedom, dependency, fear, loneliness. To the touch, the matzah -that bread of affliction and also of haste- reminded us that sometimes liberation arrives when we least expect it, and we must leave with whatever we have.</p><figure id="figure-a33wrdtvpomnhuzi6m"><img id="a33wrdtvpomnhuzi6m" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37HjwZOZ6at0zzwxVoa0W1qWBZww6jbOG8Hm4BC7U8a69v4g4todSP3fm1PI3wP2.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/37HjwZOZ6at0zzwxVoa0W1qWBZww6jbOG8Hm4BC7U8a69v4g4todSP3fm1PI3wP2.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;"></figure><p>And in the heart, the shared story reminded us that Egypt is not just a geographical place. Egypt is any situation that oppresses us. And the exodus from Egypt did not happen just once thousands of years ago: it happens every time we choose hope over discouragement, action over complaint, community over isolation.</p><p>In Cuba, where each day brings its own challenges, this message resonates with special force. Because here, being Jewish and being Cuban are intertwined in the same vocation of joyful resistance, resilience, and faith that a better tomorrow is possible if we walk together.</p><h2>Words that resonate and a future that is built</h2><p>Before the evening ended, our president David Prinstein shared words with us that still resonate in every corner of our community. He reminded us that Cuban Jews are a strong, united community, defenders of tradition and religious practice. That is why we have not only a present but also a future! And that future is written with the hands of our children, with the voices of our elders, with the commitment of everyone.</p><figure id="figure-277l3dpmt6mnhv0nhg"><img id="277l3dpmt6mnhv0nhg" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0YTiYbRoJqNJ8BndzUqw4yo5Zi5xZGlFky2ca6uAyhlBPdaUr77oW6k5YgTyy0ZJ.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/0YTiYbRoJqNJ8BndzUqw4yo5Zi5xZGlFky2ca6uAyhlBPdaUr77oW6k5YgTyy0ZJ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;"></figure><p>As we reached the end of this Seder, we understood that we had not only remembered an ancient story but had reaffirmed an eternal truth: the Jewish people always find the path to freedom, even in the most difficult moments. We sat together as one family. We shared the matzah, we told our story, and we transmitted, once again, that hope is not just a word but a responsibility.</p><h2>What we asked for as the night closed</h2><p>The Seder concluded with the vibrant singing of Hatikvah, but the message remained. Last year, we prayed that the hostages would return to their homes. This year, we pray that next year we will be free from terrorism and nuclear danger, and that there will be peace in the world. We pray that we may reach the next Passover with more light, hope, and communal life, as alive and vibrant as today.</p><figure id="figure-tdakyh3pmsmnhv3uiz"><img id="tdakyh3pmsmnhv3uiz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10UGVQwUjMmJKPukuercIluy6mnYrJIMYo1rnE1D0ooYzt1itAsD91D1iFs8ekSP.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="40%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/10UGVQwUjMmJKPukuercIluy6mnYrJIMYo1rnE1D0ooYzt1itAsD91D1iFs8ekSP.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 40%;"></figure><p>And we added one more wish, uniquely our own, both Jewish and Cuban: that we may continue celebrating on this island for another 120 years. That the matzah may continue to crunch in our hands. That the four cups may continue to toast to freedom. That the children may continue to search for the afikoman. That the door may remain open. That the community may continue, against all odds, to be a home.</p><h2>We keep walking</h2><p>As we rose from the table, we carried with us the spirit of Passover: the strength to move forward, the determination not to give up, and the certainty that, together, we will continue writing our story. Because we keep walking. We keep building. We keep being a community.</p><figure id="figure-at8xg81obmnhv55nl"><img id="at8xg81obmnhv55nl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eBZWI3OOGVlNs1SvqAp5BJeCWqcP8MK2wn3D547tSgmIg0LObSR2tiawDjbhsWI5.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Chag Pesach Sameach &nbsp;</p><p>Am Israel BeCuba Chai</p>

Living a Passover Seder in Havana 2026

<p>In the Jewish Community of Cuba, the dates on the Hebrew calendar aren’t just marked in ink they’re felt in the collective heartbeat of a family that comes together to remember who they are and where they come from. At dusk this past Monday, March 2nd, as the moon marked the 14th of Adar, the heart of our Kehilá began to beat a little stronger. Purim had begun.</p><p>But this Purim—the one of 2026—was different. It was special. It was deeply ours. In a year marked by undeniable challenges, when circumstances asked us to rethink how we celebrate, the Jewish community of Havana made a powerful choice: to honor the true spirit of the holiday. Because Purim is more than an ancient story. It is an eternal reminder that even in our darkest moments, reality can shift and what once seemed like a threat can become a reason to celebrate. And celebrate we did.</p><figure id="figure-i4vbrsawv2mmh15yp3"><img id="i4vbrsawv2mmh15yp3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17BJuPqJuNXLufCYaKONTmOf1Z64oZsRIiUtbK0ncjyse9czYEIJ0jvCElbCSCtT.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="80%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/17BJuPqJuNXLufCYaKONTmOf1Z64oZsRIiUtbK0ncjyse9czYEIJ0jvCElbCSCtT.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 80%;"></figure><h2>The Curtain Rises: Talent, Community, and a Play in Five Acts</h2><p>What better way to face adversity than with pure creativity? This year, talmidim (students) and morim (teachers) from our Majón Albert Einstein Sunday School turned a simple idea into a challenge, and that challenge into a beautiful reality: a play in five acts.</p><p>The stage, though modest, came alive with magic thanks to the extraordinary talent of two actresses from the Perséfone Teatro group, who led the artistic direction and guided our community through an unforgettable theatrical journey. Every set piece, every line, every dance step was made by hand with love, with dedication, and with the collective spirit that defines us as a people. We may not have had abundant resources, but we had something far more valuable: an army of willing hearts.</p><h2>The Sound of Tradition: Laughter, Boos, and a Shared Heartbeat</h2><p>The Patronato synagogue became a space where emotion and tradition came together. We listened intently as fragments of the Megillah were read in Hebrew, but solemnity soon gave way to joyous noise. Each time the name of brave Mordechai echoed through the room, it was met with a roar of applause. And whenever the name of wicked Haman was spoken, the sound grew thunderous uniting children, teens, and adults in the cathartic act of blotting out his memory.</p><p>The celebration opened with a moment of deep connection: a blessing for Israel and a heartfelt Kaddish, reminding us that joy, too, is sustained by memory and hope. David Prinstein, president of the Jewish Community of Cuba, spoke emotionally and invited us all to reflect on the meaning of this holiday in our current times. His words ended in a cry that bound us together in a single heartbeat: "Am Israel Jai" The people of Israel live.</p><figure id="figure-rtg08gvavbmmh1870d"><img id="rtg08gvavbmmh1870d" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6piKK6zvKCgNXWtt5kLtRRGSN9HyO3XeL34z4F62kZCC8ltKoyXAqRs8qwHpbbn3.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 65%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="65%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/6piKK6zvKCgNXWtt5kLtRRGSN9HyO3XeL34z4F62kZCC8ltKoyXAqRs8qwHpbbn3.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 65%;"></figure><h2>Youth Who Move Mountains: The Strength of Enthusiasm</h2><p>If there was one thing that shone brightest during this celebration, it was our young people and teens. They proved that enthusiasm, creativity, and the will to do things well—when met with a "yes" and an opportunity—can indeed move mountains. Watching them act, dance, and laugh, fully immersed in the joy of the moment, was living proof that our community has a future. A huge, heartfelt round of applause for them. Thank you for giving so much!</p><p>As the celebration wound down, costumes mingling with smiles and the echo of joy still ringing in our ears, one truth lingered in the tropical air of Havana: today we can say with pride we all gave. We cared for one another. That’s not just teamwork. That’s family.</p><figure id="figure-c6ch2xs43cmmh19qjk"><img id="c6ch2xs43cmmh19qjk" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14u8n7xyhAaC2LCxY0TzNIjNpqqo14Pt51K9gKAOHbEqb0enEAByPOIgpwFeopvI.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/14u8n7xyhAaC2LCxY0TzNIjNpqqo14Pt51K9gKAOHbEqb0enEAByPOIgpwFeopvI.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>May Joy Always Find Us Together</h2><p>May the joy of Purim continue to resonate in every corner of our Kehilá. And may peace soon reach our brothers and sisters in Israel. From this island, with a warm "Jag Purim Sameach", we hope this holiday brings happiness and peace to every home and that respect and freedom may soon be values shared by all.</p><figure id="figure-s142txm8m6mmh1b0fm"><img id="s142txm8m6mmh1b0fm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/f6Ymz3NJG7M29UTYmuD3SNKUYVgh2qyDx8459cnIYOx6GV5CU8wZ82QLR5noPWsy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="60%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/f6Ymz3NJG7M29UTYmuD3SNKUYVgh2qyDx8459cnIYOx6GV5CU8wZ82QLR5noPWsy.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 60%;"></figure><h2>Experience the next holiday with us</h2><p>If this story has touched your heart, imagine experiencing it in person. To witness a community transform, to see Jewish tradition bloom with strength and color in the heart of the Caribbean it’s an experience like no other.</p><p>At Havana Jewish Tour, we invite you to become part of our family. Join us in celebrating Pesach, the festival of freedom. Come share our Seder, sing with us, ask questions, have a <a data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Jewish Tour of Cuba</a> and feel the warmth of a vibrant community that will welcome you with open arms. Live an unforgettable holiday with the Jews of Cuba. We’re waiting for you.</p>

Purim 2026 in Havana: When a Community's Joy Shines Brighter Than Any Adversity

<h2>Some cities you visit. Havana, you live. And in 2026, it celebrates three times over</h2><p>This isn’t a promise: it’s a calendar. February opens with the smoke of fine tobacco and Cohíba’s 60th anniversary, and closes with ten candles on the birthday cake of Cuban salsa and 70 years of Elito Revé. Then comes April, bringing seven days of pure cadence to the Hotel Nacional, with the Malecón looking on.</p><p>Here, from Havana—where every corner holds a story and every rhythm captures your soul—we want to tell you something: in the coming months, this city will not only be the setting for our Jewish history, but also the epicenter of Cuban music, dance, and tradition. Three major events are shaking the capital, and they all share something in common: they celebrate authenticity, our roots, and what connects us with the world.</p><p>At Havana Jewish Tour, we believe that to know a culture is to live it fully. That’s why, beyond our synagogues and cemeteries, we invite you to immerse yourself in three unique experiences that will define February and April 2026. Take note. Furthermore, if you are interested in having amazing experiences in this city, then check out our page on <a data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/havana-city-tour" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/havana-city-tour" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Havana City Tours</a>.</p><h2>Habanos Festival: Cohíba Turns 60, and Havana Celebrates in Grand Style</h2><figure id="figure-ott5csbis9mlrcnfde"><img id="ott5csbis9mlrcnfde" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2d7pD42nELLqNOt51NhXuFjq4BTzEsIIzDYIiAnt51FcJTjz28tUs0nEwfEIV0gH.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2d7pD42nELLqNOt51NhXuFjq4BTzEsIIzDYIiAnt51FcJTjz28tUs0nEwfEIV0gH.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><strong>When?</strong> February 23–27, 2026 &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where?</strong> Havana and Pinar del Río (plantations, factories, fairs, seminars)</p><p>We open this agenda with the king of festivals. The Habanos Festival returns for its 26th edition, and this year’s tribute is dedicated to a legend: Cohíba, 60 years of history wrapped in tobacco leaf.</p><p>More than a thousand people from around the world will gather in Havana to celebrate the habano for what it is: culture, art, tradition, and business. This is the heart of MICE tourism in Cuba—a space where the professional and the pleasurable go hand in hand.</p><p><strong>What’s included?</strong> Visits to the Vuelta Abajo plantations—sacred tobacco land—tours of legendary factories like El Laguito, pairings, Habanosommelier competitions, exhibitions, product launches, and much more. An atmosphere where smoke tells stories and each cigar is a work of art.</p><p>If you’re coming to Havana for its Jewish history, don’t leave without discovering the island’s other heritage: tobacco and the mastery of its torcedores.</p><h2>Cuban Salsa Festival: 10 Years of Rhythm, Resilience, and Cuban Flavor</h2><figure id="figure-e6erzk4qaemlrcomrr"><img id="e6erzk4qaemlrcomrr" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32n8ZiShayBgvyAHWiRqe1CQo636RCATm5uYRCDy4jCwdjPBr89M3tQkCY0YomFg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/32n8ZiShayBgvyAHWiRqe1CQo636RCATm5uYRCDy4jCwdjPBr89M3tQkCY0YomFg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p><strong>When?</strong> Starting Friday, February 27 (multiple venues, kicking off strong at Club 500) &nbsp;</p><p><strong>What are we celebrating?</strong> 10 years of the festival + 70 years of Elito Revé y su Charangón</p><p>This is no ordinary festival. It is the home of Cuban popular music. Born in 2016 with a clear idea—to showcase what is made on the island, from the island, with today’s energy—here, no one worships a label. They honor a way of feeling the son, the timba, the casino.</p><p>This year, the celebration is twofold: ten years of credibility, dancers, sweat, and legendary orchestras, and a well-deserved tribute to Elito Revé, 70 years marking the path from changüí to the world.</p><p><strong>Who’s playing?</strong> Los Van Van, Adalberto Álvarez, Alain Pérez, Alexander Abreu, Haila, Elito Revé, and of course, Maykel Blanco y su Salsa Mayor. Four orchestras each night. More than five days of concerts.</p><p><strong>What makes it special?</strong> Because here, rather than debating whether salsa was born in New York or Cuba, what matters is that the music is felt in your feet. The Salsa Festival opens its doors to communities, art schools, international DJs, and dancers who come to learn casino in its very cradle.</p><p>“Salsa doesn’t exist” said Tito Puente. But Cuban flavor does. And it’s danced, sung, and celebrated at this festival.</p><h2>Ritmo Cuba: Seven Days of Pure Dance at the Hotel Nacional</h2><figure id="figure-rs4eybleyjmlrcxpjf"><img id="rs4eybleyjmlrcxpjf" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/32ix4sxShWY05q2oJ2R0YZq80mA7h2TIr5accWOYrAdt5m7cpynQPQSxgAIMIdTp.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/32ix4sxShWY05q2oJ2R0YZq80mA7h2TIr5accWOYrAdt5m7cpynQPQSxgAIMIdTp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p><strong>When?</strong> April 6–12, 2026 &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Where?</strong> Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Vedado (yes, with a view of the Malecón)</p><p>We close with a grand finale. If movement is your thing, Ritmo Cuba is your paradise. Imagine seven days, more than 100 hours of classes, 60 instructors, and three dance halls dedicated entirely to Cuban salsa, rueda de casino, bachata, reggaeton, rumba, folkloric, kizomba… Do we need more reasons?</p><p>The best part: it doesn’t matter if it’s your first time or if you already dance like a pro. There’s room for everyone. And when night falls, Havana becomes your dance floor. Parties, clubs, live bands, and an unforgettable beach party crown the experience.</p><p>What’s more, Ritmo Cuba isn’t just about dance—it’s cultural immersion. Walk through Havana between classes, breathe in its people, its warmth, its light. If you wish to extend your stay, sponsors offer Spanish lessons or private dance classes at La Casona del Son.</p><p>The venue is the Hotel Nacional, one of the city’s icons. Dance with the Malecón as your backdrop. Few things are more Cuban than that.</p><h2>Havana Doesn’t Stop—and We’re Here to Accompany You</h2><p>At Havana Jewish Tour, we celebrate every heartbeat of this city. February and April 2026 offer us three unforgettable opportunities to connect with Cuban culture at its most vibrant roots.</p><p>Will you come raise a glass with a habano in hand? Listen to a legendary orchestra? Or dance until dawn? Whatever your plan, we await you with open arms and rhythm in our chests.</p><p>Write to us, ask us, plan your trip. In Havana, every day is a party. And you are invited.</p><p>See you on the grandstand, on the dance floor, and along the Malecón. &nbsp;</p><p><em>Havana Jewish Tour – Discovering Havana, Feeling Cuba</em>.</p>

Between Jewish Tradition and the Cuban Soul: Three Unmissable Events

<h2>Do not forget</h2><p>Every January 27th, humanity pauses to remember one of the darkest and most painful chapters in history: The Holocaust. On this date, we honor the memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazi regime, as well as the millions of other innocent victims persecuted, dehumanized, and exterminated by hatred, antisemitism, and intolerance.</p><p>Remembering is not solely an act of historical memory; it is a permanent moral imperative. History has shown that hatred does not disappear on its own and that indifference, silence, or forgetfulness create the conditions for it to reemerge with new forms and new faces.</p><h2>Havana as the setting for remembrance</h2><p>On Tuesday, January 27th, the Jewish Community of Cuba, together with the Albert Einstein Jewish Sunday School, organized an event to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day.</p><figure id="figure-3zscun2pfml09kug3"><img id="3zscun2pfml09kug3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2UWQ3u4cmgD8klVgtoWyEbxxtWkT5j9bhvZv33DumPvVOvMl3rVkYWcg8G9BCsPU.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2UWQ3u4cmgD8klVgtoWyEbxxtWkT5j9bhvZv33DumPvVOvMl3rVkYWcg8G9BCsPU.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>This act was a reaffirmation of the commitment of Cuban Jews to the memory of the victims, to transmitting the truth to new generations, and to the firm denunciation of all forms of antisemitism, denialism, and violence. El Patronato (Beth Shalom Synagogue) hosted this heartfelt commemoration.</p><h2>Special guests</h2><p>It is now a tradition for members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Cuba to join us for these remembrance events. Ambassadors, officials, and other friends from the European Union, Poland, Germany, Argentina, and Chile were present at the ceremony, acknowledging the magnitude of the moment while demonstrating profound respect and sensitivity.</p><p>A special mention is due to the Ambassador of Poland to Cuba, Joanna Kozinska. In addition to her close, years-long relationship with the Jewish Community of Havana, she has the honor of being the daughter-in-law of a person recognized by Yad Vashem as a "Righteous Among the Nations" for helping to save many Jews during the Second World War.</p><figure id="figure-iw9oqa78sfml09pp1r"><img id="iw9oqa78sfml09pp1r" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/331wXsuUFkd9r6lNAbeB7jMbcBEzBLDeZNy4VRzgErQFBXJgs3ZgRwuwTV5lWXwg.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/331wXsuUFkd9r6lNAbeB7jMbcBEzBLDeZNy4VRzgErQFBXJgs3ZgRwuwTV5lWXwg.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Keeping memory alive as a commitment</h2><p>Organizing a Holocaust (Shoah) remembrance event is not merely a ceremonial task; it is, above all, an act of conscience, moral courage, and fidelity to the duty of remembrance. Several moments during the event illustrated how we, Cuban Jews, honor that memory.</p><figure id="figure-8qi5abqt8jml0aa968"><img id="8qi5abqt8jml0aa968" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fS66laPy9gP2kdOpx8aV3KKLmK3Sh0SvAOmyQscV7od3IiySOtqf5YsdIudPYCm.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Our leaders shared heartfelt words, poems were read, and testimonial videos were screened. A particularly moving moment was the removal of the photograph of Ran Gvili, the last hostage whose body had remained in Gaza, from the "Mural of the Abducted." This mural is a project by the Cuban Jewish Youth Organization demanding the return of all victims of the October 7th terrorist attacks.</p><p>Another solemn moment was the lighting of the Six Memorial Candles, representing the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust. Each candle was lit by a member of the Jewish Community of Cuba, accompanied by a representative from the diplomatic corps. Subsequently, the leader of the Religious Services recited the Male Rachamim prayer, followed by a communal recitation of the Mourner's Kaddish.</p><figure id="figure-ngdrkxma0mml09rhkd"><img id="ngdrkxma0mml09rhkd" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18LkQnDvKSUmTHsqENifVkg1rlyUNiME0zvOHC7NbHqWiOR8VEVIkPiTaCrr6AfA.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/18LkQnDvKSUmTHsqENifVkg1rlyUNiME0zvOHC7NbHqWiOR8VEVIkPiTaCrr6AfA.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 45%;"></figure><h2>Never again</h2><p>It was a Day of Remembrance to reaffirm our duty to defend life, human dignity, and the right of all people to live in peace. Therefore, at a time when antisemitism is once again manifesting with brutality, reminding us that hatred is not confined to the past, this act held an even deeper significance.</p><figure id="figure-s1iyie9yleml0a2cst"><img id="s1iyie9yleml0a2cst" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28WwR1P0dyii0BlL78SqfqY2MDrhJsh30ICOI2j3aiKsnCpu1p0IqZBfRPGM7y9W.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28WwR1P0dyii0BlL78SqfqY2MDrhJsh30ICOI2j3aiKsnCpu1p0IqZBfRPGM7y9W.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>The slogan <strong>#WeRemember</strong> resonates today, more than ever, in the heart of every Cuban Jew. Remembering is a daily exercise of conscience, education, responsibility, and resolve. For this reason, we commemorated this January 27th with such solemnity and feeling. In doing so, we not only honor memory, but also declare NEVER AGAIN.</p>

A day to remember. January 27th: International Holocaust Remembrance Day

<h2>Hanukkah 2026 at Beth Shalom Synagogue</h2><p>In a world saddened by violence, the Jewish Community of Cuba lit the holiday’s first candle, reaffirming life, unity, and hope. On the night of Sunday, December 14th—the 25th of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar—the Beth Shalom Synagogue did more than kindle the first Hanukkah light; it lit a beacon of spiritual resistance and unity at a time when the world seems to need it most.</p><p>The celebration was, above all, an act of vibrant presence. The heart of Havana’s Jewish community beat strongly as the main hall of the Beth Shalom synagogue overflowed with a multigenerational crowd that defied the weariness of the times and the weight of distance. It was a resounding response: in a period marked by departures and challenges, the community answered with a firm “here we are”, filling the space with faces of all ages—from the eldest to the youngest, who were the true protagonists.</p><figure id="figure-cu62vx76v3fmjdwwz3b"><img id="cu62vx76v3fmjdwwz3b" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34NvXzHOGrCJx4RLCC5IDNzSXc0wkO3Delqk4BJPTdwZKuplUJv6J3Q3KEdohfgo.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34NvXzHOGrCJx4RLCC5IDNzSXc0wkO3Delqk4BJPTdwZKuplUJv6J3Q3KEdohfgo.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Innocence as legacy</h2><p>Guided by Tamara Kelly, director of the Machon Albert Einstein Sunday School, the little hands of the children from the Machon (the Shorashim, Nitzanim, and Anafim kitot) had the honor of lighting the shamash in a scene full of sweetness and innocence. This was not merely a symbolic gesture, but a living lesson in continuity. The youngest transformed into Maccabees for a night, “restoring the Temple” with their purity, while teenagers, with fresh enthusiasm, explained the deep meaning of the tradition to all. It was, as many noted, a true fusion of emotion and knowledge, sprinkled with spontaneous laughter and a warmth that overcame every potential setback.</p><figure id="figure-9wmg5ljndvmjdwsl3q"><img id="9wmg5ljndvmjdwsl3q" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dJLaWMRJWipSPkiaNv9T0w0yHsC9XLVisJsa1QFADB2QQFfnwPbud06IsHHzvQa.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dJLaWMRJWipSPkiaNv9T0w0yHsC9XLVisJsa1QFADB2QQFfnwPbud06IsHHzvQa.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>A message of light in the face of darkness</h2><p>Yet the light of the hanukkiah was kindled under the shadow of tragedy. Hours earlier, the Cuban Jewish Community had issued a forceful and profound condemnation of the violent attack in Bondi Beach, Australia—a context that imbued the celebration with even deeper meaning.</p><p>The Rabbi’s words were shared during the gathering: nothing justifies violence, and to remain silent is to be complicit. Thus, the lighting of the first candle became a doubly powerful act. On one hand, it celebrated the ancient miracle of light overcoming darkness. On the other, it served as an act of remembrance and luminous protest. “May the light of this first Hanukkah candle reach the souls of the many innocent lives lost to terrorism”, prayed the community, transforming the joy of the holiday into an affirmation of life and an absolute rejection of hatred.</p><h2>Honoring everyday heroes</h2><p>The evening was also a space to recognize goodness and internal solidarity. A heartfelt tribute was paid to the “Yahad” mission, volunteers who became everyday heroes in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This act connected the historical miracle of Hanukkah with the modern “miracles” of cooperation and mutual support that keep the community alive.</p><h2>The light of unity</h2><p>The presence of the Ambassador of Poland, the blessings intoned by community leaders alongside David Prinstein—President of the Cuban Jewish Community—and the songs and dances that wove the air “with ancient memories” completed the portrait of an extraordinary night. It demonstrated a community that, like the phoenix, rises again and again, choosing life against all odds.</p><figure id="figure-wnblxih5xtmjdwtt06"><img id="wnblxih5xtmjdwtt06" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19rWwRL6RvYubfSz3uekYLawTSUXCIkKSM9QBHQm0LJIVtq5tyr5RBGeHqWKHqCt.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 45%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="45%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/19rWwRL6RvYubfSz3uekYLawTSUXCIkKSM9QBHQm0LJIVtq5tyr5RBGeHqWKHqCt.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 45%;"></figure><p>In the end, the lesson of this first night of Hanukkah in Havana was clear and powerful: the humblest light, when kindled together, is unstoppable. It was the light of a people’s faith, the innocence of its children, the resilience of its adults, and a steadfast commitment to peace. A small flame in the Caribbean that, on this night, shone with the strength of a universal message: against all darkness, there will always be someone to light a candle. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about this Caribbean Jewish community with our <a data-mce-href="https://havanajewishtour.com/" href="https://havanajewishtour.com/">Jewish Heritage Tours</a>.</p><figure id="figure-tp3v6tu2ucmjdwxw5j" class="selected"><img id="tp3v6tu2ucmjdwxw5j" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/243nMfg6Zmj90e6n6BA6jYUnN2vmyoInaETvKPTC3qJUGKclBV66OmXMSz4ggAfh.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/243nMfg6Zmj90e6n6BA6jYUnN2vmyoInaETvKPTC3qJUGKclBV66OmXMSz4ggAfh.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>Chag Urim Sameach!</p><p>Happy Festival of Lights!</p>

Hanukkah in Havana, 2026: memory, identity and community

<p>In the darkest of times, when the forces of nature leave uncertainty and desolation in their wake, a light emerges: the light of human solidarity. It serves as a beacon, reminding us that even from afar, we are not alone. Driven by this conviction, the Misión Yajad was born. This initiative of the Cuban Jewish Community, together with the international disaster relief organization CADENA and with the crucial support of the JDC (Joint Distribution Committee), embarked on a journey to eastern Cuba to lend a hand to their fellow community members and others affected by the recent hurricane Melissa.</p><h2>Yajad: because "Together" is the only way</h2><figure id="figure-o93pcbt5ymikxq4qo"><img id="o93pcbt5ymikxq4qo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2bCbIuBLHYl07WKYxeM0YsHbw9mxMRACpEcPlxp2YZroNXobwCxOqlelM2siG8Ul.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2bCbIuBLHYl07WKYxeM0YsHbw9mxMRACpEcPlxp2YZroNXobwCxOqlelM2siG8Ul.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><p>The mission's name, "Yajad" (meaning "together" in Hebrew), was no accident. It was the essence guiding every step, every donation, and every word of encouragement. It reflects the commitment of a people rising as one large family, upholding two fundamental pillars of Judaism: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and Tzedakah—the act of giving not from our surplus, but from what we have.</p><p>This caravan of hope departed from Havana in the early hours of Thursday, November 13th. It was loaded not only with material aid—food packages, water filters, medicine, and rechargeable lamps—but also with the open hearts of its members: community volunteers and representatives from CADENA and the Joint.</p><h2>First stop: Camagüey and reconnecting with the community</h2><p>The journey began with a stop in Camagüey, where the mission was warmly welcomed by local community leaders. It was a moment for reconnection and assessment, not only of material damages but also to understand first-hand the epidemiological situation and most urgent needs. The distribution of aid there was the first concrete gesture on a long road ahead.</p><h2>Venturing east: Granma and aid without borders</h2><p>That same day, the mission continued into the province of Granma. In the municipalities of Campechuela and Manzanillo, they visited the Jewish families in the area, but their work did not stop there. Because solidarity knows no creed, donations were extended to other neighbors in need. The mission's doctors began their invaluable work, assessing the health of vulnerable individuals, many of them elderly, identifying specific medication needs, and providing primary care.</p><figure id="figure-m9gci04wbimikxr943"><img id="m9gci04wbimikxr943" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/35hVuRvXBw1FwJyel20VqSXbI7kliKHaAGkWOpebIbabdh0e1dKVVmeBCmniUbvy.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="35%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/35hVuRvXBw1FwJyel20VqSXbI7kliKHaAGkWOpebIbabdh0e1dKVVmeBCmniUbvy.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 50% 35%;"></figure><p>On the morning of Friday, November 14th, they arrived at a place that encapsulated the urgency of their aid: the settlement of “El Guayito” in Río Cauto. More than twenty days after the hurricane, the town was still flooded. There, they assisted forty families. The moment was profoundly human; beyond delivering supplies, they organized activities for the children and held a public demonstration on using the water filters, ensuring the whole community understood how to access clean water. Donating supplies to the local family doctor guaranteed the aid would be distributed in an organized and effective way.</p><h2>Santiago de Cuba: embracing resilience</h2><p>From there, they left for Santiago de Cuba. After assessing the damage and delivering aid to local Jewish families, the mission again demonstrated its commitment to the entire society. They visited two maternity homes and a clinic, bringing food, medicine, and water filters. The doctors held an enriching session with the pregnant women, offering care and peace of mind. One of the most impactful donations for the Jewish community of Santiago de Cuba was an electric generator; personal hygiene items were also donated.</p><figure id="figure-gkkrqqf0smikxsh8n"><img id="gkkrqqf0smikxsh8n" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2dWFEaIKzpRbIpI2lEuc35IWfXkx9Xadc3NT3fxOdbx4aNOOgnPvd8kq80bzZfX6.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 95%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="95%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2dWFEaIKzpRbIpI2lEuc35IWfXkx9Xadc3NT3fxOdbx4aNOOgnPvd8kq80bzZfX6.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 95%;"></figure><p>The mission then paused to honor tradition, observing Shabbat with the Jewish Community of Santiago—a moment of spirituality and reflection amid their intense work.&nbsp;</p><h2>Guantánamo: the final assessment and closing the circle</h2><figure id="figure-sc4x6410ilmikxtjrl"><img id="sc4x6410ilmikxtjrl" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fyAOvQNVQiCrkLZf85QA5Zb6NKX9LJEnmlLkPjvp0PX8GfqbBn3CWNaiHL6WwGp.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/2fyAOvQNVQiCrkLZf85QA5Zb6NKX9LJEnmlLkPjvp0PX8GfqbBn3CWNaiHL6WwGp.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><p>On Saturday, November 15th, the mission reached its final provincial stop: Guantánamo. The exchange with the local community allowed the JDC and CADENA to conduct a deeper contingency assessment, paying special attention to the physical and emotional well-being of all affected. They provided aid to families whose homes were destroyed or damaged and who were sheltering in temporary accommodations, thereby closing a circle of assistance that addressed the most immediate needs.</p><h2>Yajad: a way of walking</h2><p>The physical journey of Misión Yajad has concluded, but its purpose endures. Its members returned transformed, with the satisfaction of a duty fulfilled, yet with the certainty that needs remain. Yajad is not just the name of a mission; it is a way of walking.</p><figure id="figure-h1wh7a4rbqmiky6p84"><img id="h1wh7a4rbqmiky6p84" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/3aCPj12Ce1S0PmjzEdibhHHKcMCMNzYeEPowOyiA3Iyb92Yu4jabJVf9TRMMFZ6q.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><p>Together, they faced the storms. Together, we rebuild. And together, they will continue walking, with unity as their most powerful force. This log of hope is only the first chapter. The commitment continues.</p><p>Together they arrived. Together they helped. Together they will move forward.</p>

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