A banner condemning the State of Israel, displayed on the steps of the University of Havana, has ignited a storm of criticism on social media. Many Cubans expressed their disapproval of the message, viewing it as an insult to the Christian community. The banner, widely shared on Facebook by users like Liomara Enríquez, features the phrase "Cursed be the State of Israel," an expression originally made by former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez on June 2, 2010. This statement was in reaction to Israel's attack on the so-called Freedom Flotilla, a convoy of six ships carrying humanitarian aid to Palestine, which resulted in nine deaths and numerous injuries.
In her post, Enríquez referenced the biblical passage Numbers 24:9—“Blessed is he who blesses you, O Israel, and cursed is he who curses you”—and called for prayers for mercy on Cuba. "It seems what we are going through is not enough. May God have mercy," she wrote.
Many others shared similar sentiments, interpreting the event as a provocation and a sign of the moral and spiritual decline in the country. Abdiel Morfa commented, "A banner cursing Israel in the University of Havana is a vulgar and disrespectful act," highlighting that Cuba is home to "thousands of Christians who love and pray for Israel." Meanwhile, David Espinosa described the gesture as "ugly, sad, and unpleasant," noting, "Cursing has never changed the world, only filled it with more hate."
Double Standards and Political Manipulation
The reactions included criticism of the Cuban government's hypocrisy. "It's ironic and incoherent that in a country where you can't speak out against your government, there's the courage to do so against the State of Israel," remarked Yoanny Pérez. Others, like E.A.L., were more blunt: "They should change it to say: 'Cursed be the communist and disgusting Cuban state.' Stop putting up nonsense and focus on your own country."
Many see this act not just as a religious affront but as yet another example of the politicization of public spaces in Cuba. The banner's placement coincided with a political rally held on Thursday morning at Havana's Anti-Imperialist Tribune, in support of the Palestinian cause, with state buses mobilized despite a severe fuel shortage.
Claims of Antisemitism
On May 10, the Cuban Jewish Community accused Mariela Castro Espín, director of the National Center for Sexual Education (Cenesex), of antisemitism and inciting hatred among Cubans following her recent statements on state television. In a lengthy Facebook statement, Cuban Jews labeled the "manifestations of the deputy" during her appearance on the television program Mesa Redonda Informativa as "insulting."
During her appearance, Castro Espín denied the existence of a Jewish people and claimed they victimized themselves to occupy land. "There is no Jewish people, there is a Jewish religion. Really, there were many European people of Jewish religion who were used, victimizing themselves in an exaggerated way," she stated. She argued that these individuals "used biblical myths" to occupy Palestinian territories, asserting this "occupation" was bolstered by "imperialism" led by the United Kingdom, and later the United States, to maintain geopolitical control over the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.
Ongoing Tensions with the Jewish Community
Earlier in November 2023, the Cuban Jewish community had also rejected statements by the Cenesex director, who suggested that more violence was necessary to stop Israel. "Imperialism can no longer be confronted with stones, words, or diplomacy," Mariela Castro stated during a discussion with Palestinian diplomats at the University of Havana. The Jewish community described these remarks as a total misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the situation and history, infused with "deep-rooted antisemitism."
Additionally, they criticized the Cuban government's stance following a Hamas attack on October 8, 2023, which prompted Israel's response in the Gaza Strip. In November 2023, young Jewish man Jonathan Rosado Carrillo carried the Cuban flag during Israeli army training, part of the enlistment against terrorism by the Hamas organization.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
What was the message on the controversial banner at the University of Havana?
The banner displayed at the University of Havana read "Cursed be the State of Israel," echoing a statement made by former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez in 2010.
How did the Cuban Jewish community respond to Mariela Castro Espín's comments?
The Cuban Jewish community accused Mariela Castro Espín of antisemitism and inciting hatred, rejecting her comments as insulting and misrepresentative of history.
What was the wider reaction to the banner on social media?
Social media reactions were overwhelmingly negative, with many seeing the banner as an insult to Christians and a sign of Cuba's moral and spiritual decline.