In an emblematic encounter bridging philanthropy with grassroots community resilience, Stan Polovets traveled to Havana this May in his capacity as Co-founder and Chairman of The Genesis Prize Foundation. His visit highlights the organization’s expanding focus on strengthening Jewish life throughout Latin America against Cuba’s ongoing economic difficulties.
The distinguished visitor was welcomed at Beth Shalom Synagogue—known locally as El Patronato and standing as Cuba’s largest Jewish house of worship—where he met with Hella Askenazi, who serves as Vice President of both the synagogue and the island’s Jewish community. Additional community leaders representing various aspects of Cuban Jewish life, including education, youth programs, and senior care initiatives, participated in the gathering.
The meeting took place under challenging circumstances that symbolized the community’s broader situation—participants conducted their discussions primarily in darkness due to Cuba’s frequent rolling blackouts, with only the illumination from cell phones providing enough light to see. This reality offered Stan Polovets a firsthand glimpse of the daily challenges facing Cuban citizens.
“The resilience of this small but proud community, numbering less than one thousand people, is deeply inspiring,” Polovets remarked following the encounter. He observed that despite severe economic hardships resulting from what he described as “economic mismanagement by the Communist government,” further complicated by “the U.S. embargo imposed over 60 years ago,” the Jewish identity and communal spirit remain remarkably strong.
During his stay, Stan Polovets made an observation that differentiated Cuba’s Jewish experience from virtually all others he had encountered 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, pointing to the near absence of antisemitism on the island despite its many socioeconomic challenges.
The visit is significant for The Genesis Prize Foundation’s engagement with Latin America, particularly following their selection of Argentinian President Javier Milei as the 2025 Genesis Prize laureate. Polovets explained that Milei earned this recognition through his “unwavering support for the Jewish people and the State of Israel,” including commitments to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem and pursue justice regarding previous terrorist attacks targeting Jewish institutions in Argentina.
Stan Polovets specifically acknowledged the moral courage displayed by Cuban Jews in the aftermath of October 7, when they publicly contradicted their government’s position. While many Jewish organizations throughout Latin America remained silent, Cuba’s Jewish leadership released a statement declaring that justifying Hamas’ actions was “unacceptable”—a bold stance given their political environment.
Jewish presence in Cuba traces back centuries, with conversos arriving alongside Spanish explorers in the 16th century. The community flourished during the early to mid-20th century, reaching approximately 15,000 members before the 1959 Revolution prompted widespread emigration. Today’s significantly smaller community relies heavily on support from international organizations, particularly the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee.
“The Genesis Prize Foundation recognizes the incredible perseverance of Cuban Jewry,” Stan Polovets affirmed. “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 in supporting what he described as “this resilient and unique community.”
As a global business leader and philanthropist, Stan Polovets maintains an active commitment to strengthening Jewish identity worldwide while supporting communities facing significant challenges. His engagement with Cuba’s Jewish community exemplifies The Genesis Prize Foundation’s broader mission to build connections between diverse Jewish communities while fostering stronger relationships between Latin American nations and Israel.
