Resilience & Impressions Of Cuba

We opened up with Ofir Amir receiving a proclamation which was sponsored by Vice Mayor Michele Lazarow, Co-Sponsored by Mayor Joy F. Cooper, and Commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub. The proclamation commemorated the survivor and co-founder curator of the Nova Exhibit of the October 7th, 2023, Nova Music Massacre. The exhibit is an immersive experience with pieces directly from the massacre and a place for survivors to share their stories. The Nova Exhibit is available until mid-February at Greenwich Studios 12100 Northeast 16th Avenue, North Miami, Florida 33161.

Another item on the agenda was the resolution of the Mayor and the City Commission of Hallandale Beach, Florida, authorizing the renaming of Foster Park to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community park; authorizing the renaming of Foster Park Community Center to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Center; authorizing the renaming of Foster Park Plaza to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Plaza; waiving renaming policy; and providing for an effective date. While the resolution was sponsored by me, this was completely a community effort. The vote was unanimous 4-0 in favor of renaming Foster Park to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Park, Dream Center & Dream Plaza. With over 30 community members, clergy, leaders and activists in attendance in solidarity for this historic moment in Hallandale Beach. The community will host a MLK Day Legacy Walk & Commemoration on Monday, January 20th, 2025. The Legacy Walk begins the line-up at 8:45 a.m. at O.B. Johnson Park 1000 Northwest 8th Avenue, Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 walking onto Foster Road and arriving at the newly renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Center which begins at 9:30 a.m. The celebration is open and free. The public is encouraged to participate in this short but historic walk.

Our Cuba trip was very eye opening and left many of us depressed about the poverty and decrepit living conditions. While many countries have poverty, 85% of Cubans now live in poverty. Before Communism, Cuba was ruled by oppressive Presidents but still had a robust economy. Cuba was the gateway to the Americas. Tourists from our country enjoy visiting and purchasing homes in Cuba.

Ernest Hemingway was one of America’s great novelists that had a home in Cuba, he wrote “The Old Man and the Sea,” “For Whom the Bell Tools” and others. Hemingway became controversial when it came to Cuba due to his love of the beauty of the Island and its people. He never supported the revolution publicly. After his death, Castro tried to spin that he was sympathetic to the regime but that has never been proven.

We had the opportunity to visit his home which is a National Historic site. At the time of our visit, the Hemingway Look Alike Society was visiting the home. It was interesting and comical to pull up and see about forty plus Hemingways. This group has an annual competition. They also visit and support Cuba’s Little League. His home was like every other building on the Island. It needed repairs. The tower that looked over the Island was closed to the public due to safety concerns. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has listed it as one of the top eleven most endangered sites.

From Hemingway’s home, we took a bus tour of an area called Embassy Row. These homes are owned by various countries. Some were well kept, and others needed repairs. While this street was clean a simple block away there were trash filled streets.

We made our way to an area called Fusterland. Jose Fuster is an artist that works with Mosaics. His entire home is embellished with colorful mosaic scenes and designs. He became committed to beautifying his village and every wall is also embellished with bright mosaics. His art, while colorful, also has a message of oppression and reflects the desire for freedom. I purchased one of his pieces. When I came home one of my friends stated it was so sad. Many artists herald from Cuba. One such artist was heading to Miami for Art Basel. Her art installations also depict history and an impression of confinement.

Our last stop was early on Sunday. We went to Morro Castle; the castle is strategically built at the entrance of Havana’s harbor. It was a stronghold of Spain’s until the Spanish War. The USA had control over the island until the Platt Amendment. After this Cuba remained with a great economy but continued to have political unrest. Standing at the castle one can see the contrast of the 1960 skyline of Havana Cuba. It was very moving to share our observations during a closed forum.

I along with all attendees shared their thoughts, as Jews we had a renewed sense of detraction to preserve Judaism in Cuba and throughout the world. Everyone also shared the sadness we had for the people of Cuba; the people of Cuba are not free. One of our fellow travelers shared that she had met a father that had worked for years to save enough money for his family to get out. She said he was in tears but was grateful he at least had a phone and could communicate with them. I note that was shared with us. Many Cubans, while struggling, the country is providing communications. Without this ability there would be full unrest.

Cuba’s population has been reduced from 11 million to 8 million. Many of the youth want out. The system itself does not have built-in motivation to work. You must be selected to go to university. The one way to make money is through tourism. We were told only to bring $10’s and $20’s. This money filters through to the many in tourism. There has also been a policy to allow some businesses to be opened by Cubans. This policy was geared to support entrepreneurs. The week we were visiting the government started to discuss closing and taking back this business.

Here is the true issue. The Cuban government owns and controls everything. They blame the US Government for their issues. The reality is the embargo has been for years. Communism is a failure. Not only is it failing, but the Infrastructure is also virtually crumbling. From housing, streets to basic needs including food, water, and electricity. Opening and lifting the embargoes will not help a thing. Investing in Cuba is also a substantial risk.

It took me two days to get out of my depression after visiting Cuba. As a Mayor I look at the city with different lenses. Cuba is a beautiful and strategic Island. The government is totally failing its people. One of our fellow visitors summed up his observations, “Tell me when and I would show up to fight along the people of Cuba for freedom.”

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our City a better place on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can email me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at: Mayor Joy Cooper. Like! Follow! And share!