Alan Gross Says ‘History Will Never Absolve’ Fidel Castro — Hails New Era for Cuba
Image by getty images
By Dave Goldiner November 26, 2016
Alan Gross tweeted that history would judge Fidel Castro harshly but said he hoped that Cubans would push for a new age of freedom after his death.
The Jewish aid worker, who spent years in a Cuban prison after being accused of “acts against the independence or territorial integrity of the state,” said “history will never absolve him” in a Tweet just minutes after the strongman’s death was announced Saturday morning.
History will never absolve him. But perhaps now the voices of Cuba will be heard. Speak up, Cuba.
— Alan P. Gross (@AlanPGross) November 26, 2016
Gross called on Cubans to push its Communist leaders for new freedoms now that the father of the Cuban revolution is gone.
“Perhaps now the voices of Cuba will be heard,” he wrote. “Speak up, Cuba”
Gross was working for a U.S.-funded program to bring internet to Cuba when he was arrested. He was released as part of a push by President Obama to end the half-century embargo of the island and herald a new age of cooperation.
Despite his imprisonment, Gross praised the policy of warming relations with the island and its Communist leadership.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
