The Jewish Link has reported on the three separate student humanitarian missions to the Cuban Jewish community led by Alejandro Meneses, the Spanish-language teacher at The Frisch School in Paramus (see https://tinyurl.com/3r2ep3c3 and https://tinyurl.com/7dszdzbc). Meneses has worked with William Miller, the director of ORT Cuba, to organize each mission.

Shortly before Pesach, Meneses received a message from Miller, who asked that it be shared with the U.S. Jewish community. The message, along with both men’s contact information, appears below:

“Dear sisters and brothers of the Jewish world, we send you warm greetings from Cuba and our heartfelt wishes for a Chag Pesach sameach, filled with freedom, health, family unity and deep meaning.

“During this holiday that celebrates liberation and hope, we—the small but vibrant Jewish community of Cuba—continue to keep the flame alive with effort, faith and dedication. But these are difficult times. The growing economic crisis on the island has made daily life even more challenging, affecting access to the most basic necessities: food, medicine, electricity and internet connectivity.

“Despite this difficult reality, we carry on. We celebrate Shabbat, teach our children Jewish values, care for our elders, and support each other as one extended family. We do it with limited resources but with an abundance of heart.

“Now more than ever, we need you. Not only through material aid—though that is always welcome—but through something even more meaningful: your presence.

“Visiting our isolated and often overlooked Jewish community is one of the most effective ways to support it. When you come, you bring your time, your energy and your love. You help us feel seen, remembered and supported. You inspire us to keep going. In return, you take something with you: the strength and spirit of a community that, against all odds, remains alive.

“Passover reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is a path to freedom. For us, that path is built through solidarity. We invite you to become part of our story —to walk with us, even if only for a few days.

“We await you with open arms, a simple table full of gratitude, and hearts ready to share.

“Chag Pesach sameach v’ Shabbat shalom, with love and hope from William Miller, on behalf of the Jewish community of Cuba, [email protected].”

Meneses can be reached at [email protected]

Harry Glazer is the Middlesex County editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at [email protected] and he welcomes reader feedback.