Dear Members of the Pastors for Peace Movement and Friends of Cuba,

On March 17th, 2024 protests emerged in the eastern provinces of Cuba, notably in Santiago de Cuba, and illuminated the dire need for basic necessities including access to food, water, and electricity. In these trying times, our hearts are heavy as we witness the challenges faced by our brothers and sisters in Cuba.These are not just demands; they are cries for the dignity and respect every human being deserves. 

Shortly after hearing news report of the protest, the US embassy in Cuba tweeted a message admonishing the Cuban government to fulfill the needs of its citizens. 

However, there’s a critical part of this narrative that remains obscured from view, especially within the US media. For over six decades, the Cuban people have been subjected to economic strangulation, as a result of the US government’s long-standing and vicious campaign of destabilization and sanctions, that has not only outlived its purpose but is perpetuating a slow genocide against our Cuban family. Simply put: the US blockade, an outdated act of aggression, has been tightening its grip, suffocating Cuba’s ability to breathe; to live freely.

In the past year, we have seen an unprecedented exodus, with nearly 500,000 immigrants fleeing Cuba for the US. This surge, nearly tripling in number this year, is a direct consequence of the recent exacerbations, including the unjust placement of Cuba on its arbitrary list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SSOT); all the while being chastised by the real perpetrators of terrorism, violators of human rights and international law; the United States. This action is designed to economically isolate Cuba, forcing the tiny island to use CASH for trading purposes rather than credit. Placement of Cuba on the SSOT list has severely hampered her ability to receive regular shipments of fuel and food; bringing the island nation to a tipping point.

Inspired by the late Rev. Lucius Walker, we are called upon not just to witness but to act. Our mission is clear: to build bridges of love and peace where there are walls of hatred and division. The blockade against Cuba is more than a policy—it is a barrier against humanity, a denial of the basic rights to live and prosper.

Today, we stand at a crucial juncture. We have the power to make a difference, to lend our voices to those who have been silenced by oppression. Let us unite in a collective call to action! Reach out to your faith leaders and Congresspersons and ask them to voice the wishes of the US people to lift the blockade and to take Cuba off the SSOT; write letters, engage in dialogues with your communities. 

It’s time to shed light on the truths that have been shrouded in darkness. Our message is simple but powerful: End the blockade! Let Cuba live!!

Let this email serve not just as a message, but as a righteous call to action. We are at a pivotal moment in history, and your involvement is crucial. Together, we can build a future where love triumphs over hatred, where peace replaces strife. Together, we can end the blockade and pave the way for a new dawn of hope and harmony for Cuba.

In the spirit of love and solidarity,

Your comrades at IFCO/Pastors for Peace

[Phone: 212-926-5757] [Fax: 212-926-5842] 

[E-mail: ifco@ifconews.org]  [Website: www.ifconews.org]

[418 West 145th Street, New York, NY 10031]