UCI - Union Cultural Israelita

Founded on September 19, 1939, in Cali, Colombia, the Unión Cultural Israelita (UCI) has its roots among German Jews who sought refuge from Nazi persecution. For more than eight decades, it has provided a home for Jewish religious and cultural life, preserving its community’s heritage while building connections across generations.

The UCI brings people together through Shabbat and holiday services, alongside Jewish learning for different ages, covering Torah, Hebrew, history, identity, and life-cycle traditions. Its approach combines a participatory Masorti practice with cultural activities and a commitment to Israel, offering different ways for members to engage with Jewish life.

Community care is central to its mission. Through volunteering, tzedakah, and mutual support, the UCI nurtures a sense of belonging and shared responsibility. It also celebrates the diversity of Jewish experiences and preserves Cali’s Jewish communal legacy, with a historical archive that includes its founding document and records spanning several generations.