In 1973, Cuba broke its official relationship with Israel. For almost 30 years any contact with the Jewish State was reduced to almost nil. This included the local Jewish Community in Cuba. It was not until the mid-90’s that the Jewish Agency for Israel signed an agreement with the Cuban government and the local Jewish Community of Cuba, to let the Cuban Jews move to Israel under the law of return(aliah )to Israel. So far, more than 1200 Jewish people and relatives have benefited from this program. The Canadian government has played an important role in this indirect relationship.

On August 2003, for the first time in the modern Cuban Jewish Community history, 10 young Cuban Jews arrived in Israel to attend Taglit – Birthright Israel, sponsored by Birthright International, Canada Israel Experience and World ORT. This is was starting point for a new era in the relationship between Cuba and Israel. Cuban Jews to go to Israel not just as permanent residents, but as tourists as well. Later on, March for the Living was established for Cuba in 2006 and MASA in 2010.

The Maccabean games in 2013 are another milestone in Cuba/ Israel relations. Around 30 Jewish athletes in addition to trainers, most of them from the regular Cuban society will participate. Not only immigration and educational programs have been established, but sport programs will be soon established for Jews and non-Jews which will be representing Cuba in Israel.

Cuba’s culture is also becoming important to people in Israel. A few hours ago at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, one of the most relevant universities in Israel and the world, a three full days congress started dedicated to Cuba, its culture, history and politics. Among the academic staff and specials guests, there are representatives from Cuba coming directly from Cuba, besides Cubans living in Israel and abroad. The event will be closed with a gathering of Cubans who now live in Israel as a living example of the new and strong relationship in between the two countries.