The Beth Shalom Synagogue in Havana—locally known as El Patronato—recently received a notable visitor amid Cuba’s persistent power outages. Stan Polovets, who serves as Co-founder and Chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation, arrived in early May to engage with key figures of Cuba’s Jewish community, witnessing firsthand both their challenges and their remarkable determination.
During his visit to Cuba’s largest synagogue, Polovets met with Vice President Hella Askenazi and other community leaders responsible for maintaining Jewish education, youth activities, and elder care programs. The meeting symbolized the community’s perseverance, as participants navigated their discussion primarily in darkness, illuminated only by the glow of cell phones during one of the region’s frequent rolling blackouts.
“The resilience of this small but proud community, numbering less than one thousand people, is deeply inspiring,” reflected Stan Polovets after the encounter. The visit highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to strengthening Jewish life throughout Latin America, particularly as economic difficulties continue to affect daily life on the island.
What struck Polovets as particularly noteworthy was the security situation at the synagogue, or rather, the lack thereof. “Unlike every other Jewish community I’ve visited worldwide—including in the United States—there are no guards in front of the synagogue,” he observed. This absence of security personnel stands in sharp contrast to practices at Jewish institutions in most other countries and reflects what Polovets described as “almost no antisemitism in the country.”
Stan Polovets emphasized that his Cuba visit represents part of a broader initiative connecting with Jewish communities across Latin America. This effort has gained momentum following the selection of Argentinian President Javier Milei as the 2025 Genesis Prize laureate, whom Polovets praised for his “unwavering support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel.”
The Foundation’s engagement with Latin American Jewish communities comes at a significant historical moment. Polovets specifically acknowledged the Cuban Jewish community’s courage in standing against their government’s position following the October 7 attacks. When Cuban authorities placed blame on Israel, the local Jewish community issued a public statement declaring that justifying Hamas’ actions was “unacceptable”—a stance that differentiated them from many other Jewish organizations throughout Latin America that remained silent.
Jewish history in Cuba extends back to the 16th century when conversos arrived alongside Spanish explorers. The community flourished during the 20th century, reaching over 15,000 members before the 1959 Revolution prompted mass emigration. Today’s much smaller Jewish population faces significant challenges and depends mainly on support from international organizations like the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC).
“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 called upon private foundations and individual donors to join the JDC in supporting this distinctive community’s survival and continuity.
Beyond his philanthropic leadership through the Genesis Prize Foundation, Stan Polovets maintains a broader commitment to strengthening Jewish identity worldwide and supporting vulnerable communities. His visit to Cuba exemplifies his dedication to highlighting unique Jewish experiences while fostering stronger connections between Latin American nations and Israel.
