By Elson Concepcion Perez on August 7, 2025
On eight occasions, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat visited the island at Fidel’s invitation. Photo: Liborio Noval
The Palestinian cause was one of Fidel’s causes. From the very beginning of the triumphant Revolution, he dedicated his efforts and solidarity to it, expressing this in Cuba, in international forums, and at the highest level at which our country raised its voice.
On October 12, 1979, the Commander-in-Chief delivered a speech before the United Nations General Assembly, in which he reported on the agreements adopted at the Sixth Conference of Heads of State and Government of the Non-Aligned Movement, held at that time in the Cuban capital.
Both at that summit and in other forums, the Palestinian situation was the subject of much discussion and reflection, mainly in denunciations of the Israeli government for its aggression, expansionism, and illegal occupation of Palestinian land, all with the support of successive US administrations.
Fidel said at the time: “For the Non-Aligned Countries, the question of Palestine is at the heart of the Middle East problem. The two form an integral whole that cannot be resolved separately.”
He argued: “The basis for a just peace in the region begins with the total and unconditional withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories and implies for the Palestinian people the return of all their occupied territories and the restoration of their inalienable national rights, including the right of return to their homeland, to self-determination, and to the establishment of an independent state in Palestine, in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 3236.”
The Cuban leader then said: “We repudiate with all our strength the ruthless persecution and genocide that Nazism unleashed against the Jewish people. But I cannot recall anything in our contemporary history that is more similar to the eviction, persecution, and genocide that imperialism and Zionism are carrying out today against the Palestinian people. Stripped of their lands, expelled from their own homeland, scattered throughout the world, persecuted and murdered, the heroic Palestinians are an impressive example of self-sacrifice and patriotism, and are the living symbol of the greatest crime of our time.”
Fidel asked those present: “Can anyone be surprised that the Conference (of the Non-Aligned Movement) felt compelled, for reasons that do not arise from any political prejudice but from an objective analysis of the facts, to point out that the policy of the United States plays a fundamental role in preventing the establishment of a just and comprehensive peace in the region, by aligning itself with Israel, supporting it, and working to obtain partial solutions favorable to Zionist objectives and guaranteeing the fruits of Israeli aggression at the expense of the Arab people of Palestine and the entire Arab nation?
The Commander-in-Chief’s commitment to this cause was not limited to speeches. As a man of his word, he also established relations of solidarity with Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, whom he invited to visit Cuba, tour part of the country, and hold friendly meetings, which served as the foundation for a great relationship that transcended them both and also united their peoples.
Arafat visited the island eight times. On June 16, 2001, he sent a message to Fidel, the content of which is an expression of their consolidated friendship.
In his words, the Palestinian leader said: “It was with deep emotion that we watched yesterday on international news agencies the image of you with the Palestinian flag draped over your shoulders, leading a popular demonstration in solidarity with the struggle of our heroic people.”
He went on to say: “I consider, Your Excellency President Fidel Castro, this demonstration of firmness and unwavering friendship that has taken place in Havana to be a strong and effective message from a beloved world leader who enjoys great international prestige among all the peoples and countries of the world, with the aim of mobilizing them quickly to put an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people as a result of the Israeli occupation of their homeland and the intensification of military, economic, and financial actions and the blockade against our cities, villages, towns, farms, and water wells, and the closure of international border crossings by land, air, and water.”
The letter concluded: “Every Palestinian today holds in his heart and conscience this glorious image of Your Excellency with the Palestinian keffiyeh on your shoulders, which is irrefutable evidence of the justice of our cause and the magnitude of the injustice committed by the Israeli aggressors against our people. Rest assured, President Castro, so beloved by our people and by all peoples, that our people, as resilient as the Palestinian mountains, take from your position and example, which makes us proud, more courage and determination to continue the struggle, the resistance, and the Intifada to drive the Israeli occupiers out of our country, Palestine.”
The ties forged by Fidel with Palestine transcended the bond between leaders and united both peoples. Photo: Dunia Álvarez Palacios
Now, 46 years after Fidel’s memorable speech at the UN, reality presents us with the same Israel: occupier, aggressor, and genocidal, and a US government increasingly involved in this crime, while the Palestinian people die, suffer, and continue to wait for action from international organizations. We also need a global community that is more committed to peace in Palestine. And a Cuban people that is firm in its stance of supporting the children of the land of Yasser Arafat, friend of Fidel and of the Greater Antilles.
Source: Granma, translation Resumen Latinoamericano – English