Greetings to the Jews of America, Israel and other countries were conveyed here today by President Fulgencio Batista on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Cuba’s independence. General Batista also emphasized his “great respect” for the Jews who live in Cuba.
Receiving a correspondent of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, the President of Cuba said he wishes to transmit through the J.T.A. his “heartiest feelings” to the State of Israel, “that has been reborn.” “Say in my name, in the name of my government and in the name of my people, that we are happy over the establishment of Israel,” he stated. “I have always followed closely the Jews’ surge towards liberation. May Israel grow great, for she has deserved it through patriotism and self-sacrifice. May Israel prosper and live eternally in the brotherhood of all nations. It makes me happy that the aspirations of the Jewish people have been realized. I and my government will always maintain the friendliest relations with the youngest country, which has so much vitality.”
Israel is represented here at Cuba’s anniversary celebrations by Arthur Lurie, Consul-General in New York, who was given the title of Ambassador for his visit here. “I am very glad to shake hands with the Ambassador of the youngest republic,” President Batista declared when he received Mr. Lurie. He expressed the hope that the present friendly relations between Cuba and Israel will be maintained forever.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
