Emigration to Israel happens discreetly, and those who are familiar with Cuban aliyah will not discuss precise numbers. However, one source estimated that as much as 20 percent of the community probably would leave for Israel in the near future. Officials of the JDC, which has maintained a presence here during the past four years, will not comment on aliyah. They stress that their work in Cuba, as in other countries around the world, focuses on community development and leadership training aimed at ensuring the future of Cuban Jewry. Dworin is more forthright.
Economic hardship is one primary motivation.
Cubans have the highest literacy rate in Latin America, and in the Jewish population, professions such as doctors and engineers are dominant. Cubans openly joke about it. It refers to Copellio, the island's sole producer of ice cream, which is available in limited quantities and therefore difficult to eat. In a society where any meat is scarce, this accommodation is arranged by Castro's government, whose officials allow the country's one kosher butcher to select the cows to use for ritual slaughter, according to Jewish communal leaders. However, because of limited supplies, not every family in the growing community can take advantage of this arrangement.