One of the most enriching aspects of Jewish Heritage Travel is the unique opportunity it offers travelers to delve into the vast and often overlooked chapters of Jewish history, guided by distinguished experts and scholars. Among these fascinating topics is an exploration of José Martí—Cuba’s esteemed poet, national hero, and advocate for independence—and his deep connection with the Jewish people. This journey provides valuable insights into Martí’s admiration for Jewish values, his writings on justice and freedom, and the historical ties that link his legacy to the Jewish experience in Cuba. This connection extends beyond admiration, as Martí’s ideals found deep resonance within the American Jewish community, forging a historical relationship rooted in shared values.

The relationship between the American Jewish community and José Martí is a deeply meaningful narrative rooted in shared ideals of justice, freedom, and resistance to oppression. Martí, a towering symbol of Cuba’s struggle for independence from Spanish colonial rule, admired the perseverance and moral values of the Jewish people, often drawing parallels between their historical struggles and Cuba’s fight for sovereignty. His admiration for Jewish resilience and ethics shaped his vision of a liberated Cuba, one that embraced pluralism, equality, and justice for all.

Miriam Levinson of Jewish Heritage Travel, an organization dedicated to uncovering Jewish stories across the globe, designed, organized, and led hundreds of trips to her native Cuba. Her personal knowledge and deep understanding of Cuban Jewish life brought a truly distinctive dimension to this journey, making it an enriching experience for all involved.

José Martí Memorial, Havana, Cuba, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Miriam shared a heartfelt personal story about her connection to José Martí, the Cuban national hero. She reminisced “On that September morning, my mother, sister, and I were leaving Cuba, perhaps forever, without my father, who didn’t have a visa to the U.S. My father asked me not to tell anyone, not even my closest friends, about our departure. He trusted me with this secret, and I never questioned it. A week before we left, he told me I could take only one personal item. I struggled to decide what to take, but ultimately, I chose La Edad de Oro by José Martí, The Golden Age. It was a book that held my dreams, my joys, and my memories of life in Cuba. Over 50 years later, the book is still with me, its pages worn from constant reading.”

When she returned to Cuba in 2001 and shared this story with her close friend Vicky, whom she had known for 22 years, Vicky remarked, “Every child in Cuba still reads that book.” Martí’s book, written for children across the Americas, was filled with hope and dreams. Miriam continued, “When you see his statue, think of a man who not only fought for Cuba’s freedom but also wanted children to be happy.”

This is Miriam’s story and Martí’s enduring legacy.

La Edad de Oro by José Martí – The Golden Age Photo Courtesy, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Martí’s Admiration for the Jewish People

Martí’s appreciation for the Jewish people was evident in his prolific writings. He viewed the Jews as a people who had withstood centuries of persecution while preserving their moral and spiritual identity. This resilience resonated deeply with Martí, who often used Jewish history as an example of how a community could endure unimaginable hardships and still emerge spiritually and morally victorious. Martí saw this as a source of inspiration for Cuba’s fight for independence, emphasizing that perseverance and moral strength were critical in the face of oppression.

Through his essays and letters, Martí explored the biblical ideals of justice, freedom, and human dignity—cornerstones of Jewish tradition. He recognized these principles as universal truths that aligned with his own aspirations for Cuba. Martí drew parallels between the Jewish struggle for survival and dignity and the Cuban struggle for self-determination. The shared values of liberty, equality, and justice became foundational to his vision of an independent Cuba, where all individuals, regardless of race, religion, or background, could live freely and with dignity.

Martí’s Time in New York and Connections with the Jewish Community

Martí’s time in New York from 1880 to 1895 was a transformative period in his life and work. It was during this time that he developed strong connections with the American Jewish community, engaging with Jewish leaders and intellectuals who shared his commitment to justice and equality. Many of these individuals, having experienced marginalization and persecution themselves, were sympathetic to Martí’s cause and saw parallels between their struggles and Cuba’s fight for independence.

Jewish communities in the United States provided Martí with moral and financial support, recognizing the universal struggle for freedom and justice in his mission. Jewish philanthropists and activists, who were themselves deeply involved in social and political causes, played a vital role in funding Martí’s revolutionary efforts. Martí’s relationship with Jewish intellectuals in New York reflected a broader network of reformers and activists united by their shared commitment to liberation and human rights.

The involvement of Jewish individuals in Martí’s revolutionary movement highlights the deep bonds of solidarity between the Jewish and Cuban communities. Figures like Joseph Steinberg and Jeanette Schechter exemplify the significant contributions of Jewish immigrants to Cuba’s independence and cultural development.

José Martí Memorial, Havana, Cuba, New York Jewish Travel Guide

Joseph Steinberg: A Revolutionary Ally

Joseph Steinberg, along with his brother Edward, was instrumental in supporting Martí’s Cuban Revolutionary Party. Edward Steinberg first established a connection with Martí by inviting him to speak to Jewish audiences, fostering mutual respect and cooperation. Joseph later became a key figure in the revolutionary movement, serving as the tax collector for the Cuban Revolutionary Party in Tampa, Florida. He organized fundraising efforts that were critical to sustaining Martí’s struggle against Spanish colonial rule.

After Cuba achieved independence, Joseph Steinberg and his wife settled in Havana, where they became influential members of the Jewish community. In 1906, they helped establish the United Hebrew Congregation and the Guanabacoa Jewish Cemetery, both of which remain important historical landmarks. Steinberg’s contributions to Martí’s cause and his subsequent efforts to build Jewish communal institutions underscore the lasting impact of Jewish support for Cuban independence.

Jeanette Schechter, a Palestinian-born immigrant to the United States who later settled in Cuba, was another notable figure who contributed to the development of the Jewish community in Havana. A natural leader and philanthropist, Schechter supported Jewish immigrants and institutions, leaving a legacy in Cuban society.

While direct evidence of Martí’s personal connections with individuals like Steinberg and Schechter is limited, their support for his revolutionary cause demonstrates the shared values and mutual respect that characterized the relationship between Martí and the Jewish community.

Throughout his writings, Martí was a staunch advocate for universal human rights, condemning all forms of prejudice, including anti-Semitism. He criticized the treatment of Jews in Europe, viewing anti-Semitism as a symptom of broader societal injustices. Martí’s commitment to justice and equality extended to all marginalized groups, and he celebrated the Jewish people’s resilience as a testament to the power of hope and moral courage.

Martí’s admiration for Jewish immigrants in the United States further reinforced his vision of a diverse and inclusive society. He observed how Jewish immigrants, many of whom had fled persecution in Europe, adapted to their new environment while preserving their cultural traditions. Martí regarded their resilience and cultural vitality as a model for the kind of pluralistic society he envisioned for Cuba—one where diversity was embraced, and all people could thrive.

The Legacy of Martí’s Relationship with the Jewish Community

Martí’s legacy continues to inspire both the Cuban and Jewish communities. His writings, which emphasize the values of freedom, equality, and human dignity, resonate deeply with Jewish scholars and activists. Martí’s recognition of the ethical principles central to Judaism has cemented his place as a figure of cross-cultural admiration and respect.

After Martí’s death and Cuba’s eventual independence, the Jewish community in America maintained its involvement in Cuban society. The arrival of Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe in the early 20th century further enriched Cuba’s cultural and social fabric. These immigrants brought with them a strong sense of cultural identity and a commitment to Martí’s ideals of justice and equality, contributing to the realization of his dream for an inclusive and diverse Cuba.

The Guanabacoa Jewish Cemetery, established by figures like Joseph Steinberg and Jeanette Schechter, stands as a testament to the enduring contributions of the Jewish community to Cuba’s history. It serves as a reminder of the solidarity between Martí’s revolutionary cause and the Jewish people’s commitment to justice and freedom.

Martí’s Lasting Legacy

José Martí’s vision of a just and equitable world remains profoundly relevant today. His admiration for Jewish resilience, coupled with his unwavering commitment to universal human rights, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of solidarity and empathy in the fight against oppression. Martí’s story highlights how shared values can unite diverse communities and foster lasting relationships built on mutual respect and understanding.

His connection with the American Jewish community stands as a testament to the power of common ideals to transcend cultural and historical divides. Through his writings and actions, Martí demonstrated how the pursuit of justice and freedom can create bonds that endure across generations.

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By Meyer Harroch, New York Jewish Travel Guide & New York Jewish Guide

This unforgettable journey was graciously hosted by The Jewish Heritage Travel, with heartfelt thanks to Luis Arteaga and Miriam Levinson for organizing such a remarkable and unique experience.

A special thanks to Vickie Prince for her knowledgeable and engaging guiding, bringing Havana’s hidden gems and history to life with her insights and enthusiasm.

For details on upcoming trips and to request a travel brochure, contact The Jewish Heritage Travel at https://jhtravel.org/ or call 1.845.256.0197.