A Book on Fidel Castro Is Presented in Lebanon on the Centennial of His Birth
In tribute to the 100th anniversary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, the “Fidel Castro: Legacy and Future” Forum was held at the Barzakh Library and Cultural Space in downtown Beirut, where the book *Socialism and Man in Cuba*, by leaders Fidel Castro and Che Guevara, was presented.
The event began with a video showing the preparations, voyage, and landing of the Granma. Ambassador Jorge P. León Cruz then delivered the opening remarks, expressing, on behalf of the Cuban government and people, sincere gratitude to the organizers of this act of solidarity with Cuba, held to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
He emphasized his conviction that, through the speeches and presentations to be delivered by the speakers at this moving event, Fidel lives on in Lebanon 100 years after his birth and will continue to live on forever, as demonstrated by the enduring relevance of his work and legacy in defense of just causes and for peace.
He confirmed that Fidel never left and never will: His presence is and will always be among us, especially at this time when the Caribbean island is facing the intensification of the blockade and the energy blockade that the United States is imposing on Cuba—which constitutes a naval blockade, an act of war and genocide, and a cruel and discriminatory policy against the Cuban people that causes deaths, as reflected in the doubling of the infant mortality rate, which rose from 4.0 to 9.2 per thousand live births, and the reduction in life expectancy for children with cancer from 85% to 65%.
He affirmed that the Cuban people have reiterated that a U.S. military attack against Cuba would result in a bloodbath. Thousands of Cubans would die defending their homeland, and young Americans would also die—with no cause or ideal to defend, but dragged into violence by an imperialist, neo-fascist policy of domination, plunder, and conquest. If we were attacked, if a war we do not want were imposed upon us, the Cuban people would face it with determination and resolve, committed to defending Cuba’s sovereignty and independence.
We know that Cuba is not alone in this battle, and we are receiving countless expressions of solidarity and support from governments, parliaments, political forces, prominent figures, nongovernmental organizations from a wide range of social sectors, Cubans living abroad, solidarity groups, individuals, and international organizations—to all of whom we reiterate the Cuban people’s deepest gratitude.
For this reason, I took the opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all our friends in Lebanon who stand in solidarity with Cuba, convinced that we will resist, we will move forward, and we will prevail.
Next, Salah Salah, former president of the Palestinian-Cuban Friendship Association; Maurice Nohra, president of the Lebanese-Cuban Friendship Association; and Hadi Bakdash, editor of the Arab Photographer Publishing House in Beirut, shared their testimonies, in which they recounted their rich experiences in Cuba and highlighted the life and work of Commander-in-Chief Fidel.
Later, Dr. Noha Ibrahim Wakim, a Cuban-Lebanese citizen and member of the “José Martí” Arab-Latin American Solidarity Association, shared her life experiences in Havana, where she was born, grew up, and was educated until her teenage years, recounting her moving and unforgettable memories.
The event concluded with an open discussion with Greek trade unionist Natasha Terlixis, director of the Dithynes Vima Publishing House in Athens and author of 17 books on the Cuban Revolution, who recounted her recent visit to Cuba with a delegation of Greek trade unions and presented her book, *Socialism and Man in Cuba*, about the leaders Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.