B'nai
B'rith Center
Jewish Relief Project
HUMANITARIAN
RELIGIOUS MISSIONS:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Humanitarian Religious Mission?
One of the most rewarding aspects of the Cuban Jewish Relief
Project is being part of a mission. These missions bring
welcome and needed supplies including medicine, cultural/religious
items such as Judaica and books and moral support (people
meeting people) to Cuba’s Jewish community. Cuban
people have a strong link with fellow Jews.
Are
B’nai B’rith Missions Legal?
Yes, the B’nai B’rith Cuban Jewish Relief Project
and its religious missions operate under a religious license
awarded by the United States government Office of Foreign
Assets Control (OFAC).
What
Happens During a Mission?
We generally have several missions per year including our
annual Chanukah mission. A mission usually lasts eight days.
The most exciting aspects of a mission are that they bring
love and aid to the Jewish community. Each participant is
asked to carry needed humanitarian supplies. These items
are brought directly to the Patronato which functions as
Cuba’s Jewish community center and the communities
outside Havana. In addition to delivering humanitarian items,
mission participants also meet members of the Jewish communities,
visit significant Jewish cultural and historic sites and
learn more about Jewish life in Cuba.
During
the weeklong mission participants visit three synagogues
in Havana and visit other Jewish communities. There will
be meetings with leaders and members of each Jewish community
as well as educators at the University of Havana.
The
mission participants will attend a B’nai B’rith
Cuba Maimonides Lodge meeting and enjoy a Shabbat meal with
the Jewish community. We will travel with members of the
Jewish community on a retreat outside Havana. We will also
visit Cienfuegos and Santa Clara and see the new Holocaust
Memorial and the Jewish cemetery. There will be an opportunity
to attend worship services at the various synagogues. Some
cultural and social activities such as viewing the Old City,
seeing historical sites, visiting the markets and enjoying
Cuban culture are included. All of these activities will
provide the participants with a well-rounded look at life
in Cuba, especially the island’s vibrant Jewish community.
What
is the Fee?
Please contact the B’nai B’rith International
Mission and Travel Office at (877) 222-9590 (toll-free number)
or bbrelief@earthlink.net.
What
is included in the Fee?
Hotel accommodations for one night in Miami.
Seven-night stay at 5-star hotels in Havana and Cienfuegos.
Roundtrip airfare between Miami and Havana.
Support for B’nai B’rith Cuban Jewish Relief
Project, which will be used to aid Cuban Jewish community.
Complete breakfast and dinner daily.
Bilingual guide during trip.
Bus transportation for entire stay.
Medical insurance while in Cuba.
$50 US tax on entry.
Visa.
Transfers to and from airport in Cuba.
What
is not included in the Fee?
Roundtrip airfare from participant’s home to Miami.
Cuba airport taxes.
Miscellaneous tips such as bus driver and bi-lingual guide.
Optional travel insurance.
Optional activities.
What
about passports and visas?
Each mission participant must have a valid passport. The
B’nai B’rith Cuban Jewish Relief Project will
provide visas and has a license for travel to Cuba. If you
are Cuban born you are required to get a special visa. Please
call our office for details.
Do
I have to be a member of B’nai B’rith?
All participants must be current members of B’nai
B’rith.
How
should I dress?
Cuba has a tropical climate that is moderated by trade winds.
The temperature is similar to that of Miami.
We recommend casual lightweight clothing, comfortable walking
shoes, a fold-up umbrella and a casual rain jacket. Pants
and skirts are preferred for attending synagogue services.
If you are participating in a fall/winter mission you may
wish to bring a jacket and sweater.
What
else should I know?
The US embargo prohibits the use of American credit cards
and traveler checks in Cuba. American dollars must be converted
to Cuban convertible pesos.