Five countries over four days: How Cuba’s Maccabiah Games delegation made it to Israel

The Cuban delegation to the Maccabiah Games faced a challenging journey to Israel, traveling through five countries over more than four days due to Cuba's limited international relations and oil supply issues. Hella Eskenazi, vice president of Cuba's Jewish community and a participant, explained that the 29 athletes departing from Havana encountered further complications when Air France canceled flights to Tel Aviv due to conflict in Iran. This necessitated last-minute changes to their restrictive travel visas, with some flying through Austria and others via Abu Dhabi, resulting in long layovers. Eskenazi stated, "We are here thanks to the Maccabi World Union," which provided crucial assistance. Despite the arduous trip, the delegation found the experience deeply emotional and competitively successful, winning several medals. Eskenazi remarked, "When I visit Israel, I feel like Cuba, like my country. I feel that this is my home, also."