WORLDS COLLIDE

Old Jerusalem In New Havana

Photographer Jonathan Alpeyrie documents what remains of Jewish life in Cuba, which began when Jews fled medieval Spain and Portugal.

Jonathan Alpeyrie

By William BootOct 18, 2015

galleries/2015/10/18/old-jerusalem-in-new-havana/151015-cuba-jewish1_tdjx86 — In 1945, about 25,000 Jews lived in Cuba. Today there are 1,500. Jonathan Alpeyrie documents Cuba's Jewish community in an exhibit at Anastasia Photo in New York City until October 31. A young Jewish girl fixes her hair inside the Beth Shalom administrative building. August 26th, 2015, Havana, Cuba.
Jonathan Alpeyrie

galleries/2015/10/18/old-jerusalem-in-new-havana/151015-cuba-jewish2_zzxlw4 — The first Cuban Jews were predominantly Sephardic, having fled Spanish oppression in medieval Spain and Portugal. In the 1930s-40s, yet another branch of Jews fled Eastern Europe’s turmoil for a safe haven in Cuba. A member of the Jewish community arrives at the Beth Shalom Synagogue. September 26th, 2015, Havana, Cuba.
Jonathan Alpeyrie

galleries/2015/10/18/old-jerusalem-in-new-havana/151015-cuba-jewish3_ojxfxk — With the arrival of Fidel Castro and Communism came an end to a free market economy and opportunities for professional growth. With most of Cuba’s Jewish population thriving off the country’s formerly adequate business environment, much of the community found themselves relocating to the United States for increased opportunities. Parents participate in their daughter's Bat Mitzva inside the Beth Shalom Synagogue. August 29th, 2015, Havana, Cuba.
Jonathan Alpeyrie

galleries/2015/10/18/old-jerusalem-in-new-havana/151015-cuba-jewish4_izcht0 — Never persecuted, Cuba's Jewish Community fared relatively well despite enforced Atheism across the country. Names of Beth Shalom congregants. August 26th, 2015, Havana, Cuba.
Jonathan Alpeyrie

galleries/2015/10/18/old-jerusalem-in-new-havana/151015-cuba-jewish5_xiueyp — It is said that half of Cuba’s remaining Jewish population is comprised of converts, given the preferential treatment of the community by the regime. A member of the Sefarati Synagogue shows a photograph of his parents. August 31th, 2015, Havana, Cuba.
Jonathan Alpeyrie

galleries/2015/10/18/old-jerusalem-in-new-havana/151015-cuba-jewish6_xdmh67 — Today, the small community that remains in Havana plus its welcomed additions remains highly active in maintaining their common bond. Members of the Jewish community dance the Hora at the Beth Shalom Synagogue. September 1st, 2015, Havana, Cuba.
Jonathan Alpeyrie

galleries/2015/10/18/old-jerusalem-in-new-havana/151015-cuba-jewish7_ymenvs — Alpeyrie was commissioned by Anastasia Photo to research and photograph Havana’s remaining Jewish community as part of his long-term project exploring remaining Jewish enclaves in cities internationally. Entrance of the Beth Shalom synagogue. August 29th, 2015, Havana, Cuba.
Jonathan Alpeyrie

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