Santiago is one of the most beautiful cities in Cuba, with the sea and mountains nearby, and is located on the eastern side of the island. It is Cuba’s second largest city after Havana and its first capital. Santiago holds a significant place in the history of the Cuban Revolution and is viewed by many as the Cradle of the Revolution. Its architecture reflects many different styles from the baroque to the neoclassical and the city is filled with distinctive and culturally significant buildings.

Santiago also is the source of many of Cuba’s music genres, is the country’s center of Afro-Cuban culture, and holds one of the most spectacular carnivals in the country. French and African words can be heard on the street, reflecting the many French and Haitian families who settled in Santiago in the late 18th century.  

"A Jewish community was founded in Santiago in 1924, called the Jewish Society of Eastern Cuba. The society was housed in a rented space until 1939, when it finally moved into a new building, which became the Synagogue of Santiago de Cuba. Two Rabbis served in the synagogue, Senor Isaac Chiprut Confri, from 1924 until 1943, and Senor Victor Farin Sarfati, from 1946 until 1967. Santiago’s Jewish population consisted mainly of Sephardim from Turkey, who came to Cuba seeking a better life. At the beginning of World War II, Ashkenazi Jews from Poland arrived in Santiago fleeing Nazi persecution. The Jewish Society remained active until 1959; after the Revolution, most of the Jews immigrated to other countries."*

Santiago synagogue reopened in 1993.

The Santiago Jewish community consists of 70 people and is headed by the dynamic Eugenia Farin.  Members reopened the synagogue in 1993, are very welcoming of visitors, and proud of their heritage and culture.  Several community members specialize in Israeli dance which they perform throughout Cuba.