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.
