Feb 21 • 05:10 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Fled Nazism, Made Chocolate Underground and Invented Argentina's Iconic Snack

Aabra Benski overcame numerous challenges in his life, including fleeing the Holocaust, to establish a successful chocolate business in Argentina.

Abracha Benski, a Holocaust survivor, led a life marked by resilience and determination. After fleeing his native Russia as a child and escaping from Romania at 14, Benski crossed the Black Sea to escape the Holocaust and eventually settled in Buenos Aires. Despite numerous personal and financial setbacks, he established Cabsha, one of Argentina's renowned chocolate companies, in the early 1950s. His journey epitomized the immigrant experience with a constant battle against odds to achieve his dreams.

Throughout his life, Benski faced extreme hardships but he never lost hope. His daughter, María Cristina “Dadi” Benski, recalls her father's ability to bounce back from failures, stating he had lost everything five times yet found a way to build his empire. In 1984, when Benski was forced to sell Cabsha due to significant debts, it marked a painful chapter in the family's history, one that resonated strongly with Dadi. She noted that despite the losses, her father always saw chocolate as a means for survival and a way forward, embodying the spirit of perseverance through his craft.

Benski's legacy is encapsulated not only in the success of Cabsha but also in the cultural significance of his iconic snack, which remains a beloved treat in Argentina. His life story, intertwining struggle with the art of chocolate-making, is a testament to the immigrant spirit that continues to this day, influencing generations and inspiring many to pursue their passions against all odds.

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