Latin American Jewish leaders hold talks with Cuban minister in Brazil

06 November 2009

Latin American Jewish leaders have met Cuba's religious affairs minister to talk about cooperation. Jack Terpins, president of the Latin American Jewish Congress, met with Caridad Diego Bello at Cuba's consulate in São Paulo. Representatives of several faiths also attended the meeting. The meeting's objective was to discuss the positive relationship among religions in Brazil and learn about how Cuba tackles the issue.

The Cuban minister discussed Jewish engagement in Cuba's public life, mainly in the field of public health, and underlined how Jewish religious streams got along well in the country. Bello recalled Fidel Castro's 1999 visit to a synagogue during Chanukah and added that Jewish communities were an example to be followed by others.

Terpins said the meeting was positive and "opened doors." He added: "The minister's speech proves that the Jewish people are united and present, value the exchange of positive experiences among religions, and mainly assures that dialogue is a strong tool for peace.”

Chabad Rabbi Yossi Schildkraut, who also attended the meeting, said that several initiatives between the nations would be promoted, including the delivery of matzah from Brazil to Cuba for Passover.