Revolution, Ethnicity, And Religions In Cuba: Similarities, Differences, And Dichotomies In The Case Of The Jews

Abstract

This chapter analyzes those elements present in the formation of the Cuban idiosyncrasy responding to the incorporation of minorities into the Cuban ethnos-in terms of equality and singularity-as well as to the dissociation of the traditional religious patterns in Latin America. Next, it looks at the way in which the Revolution influences Jewish life in Cuba, under the impact of globalization and the commencement of the new assumptions and redefinitions of policies and identity. The chapter places emphasis on how the attitudes of the island toward the Jewish ethnic group-and later toward the constitution of its State-have differed substantially from the rest of the hemisphere. The recognition of Cuba as a Catholic country is really nominal. The restrictive policies of the United States come to bear, once again, on the immigration/emigration of Cuban Jewry causing another exodus to Israel and, consequently, a new era of relative atrophy of the community. Keywords: Cuba; Cuban Jewish Community; Cuban Revolution