Cuba

Cuba begins releasing prisoners under scrutiny of rights groups, US government

The decision to release the prisoners on the island comes after Washington's most intense pressure campaign in decades, although Havana denies any decision-making under US coercion.

Regla Yolanda Gonzalez poses for a photograph following her son's release from prison, part of a deal brokered by the Vatican that saw the Biden administration loosen sanctions on Cuba, in Havana, Cuba January 21, 2025.
An aerial view shows the oil tanker named Boracay (also called Pushpa), a vessel being investigated by French authorities and suspected of belonging to the so-called "shadow fleet" involved in the Russian oil trade, off the coast of the western France port of Saint-Nazaire, France, October 2, 2025

US allows Russian oil tanker to reach Cuba, reversing course on blockade

Activists of the Nuestra America Convoy and Cuban officials unload humanitarian aid from the vessel Maguro -- symbolically renamed "Granma 2.0" as a tribute to the yacht used by Fidel Castro's guerrilla fighters to launch their revolution in 1956 -- at Havana port on March 24, 2026.

Two humanitarian aid boats en route to Cuba are missing, Mexico says

The US flag flutters at the US embassy in Caracas on March 14, 2026, ten days after the restoration of diplomatic relations following the capture of ousted leader Nicolas Maduro in a US military raid.

US push for Western Hemisphere dominance could extend to Cuba and Nicaragua, experts say


Alan Gross says Bernie Sanders praised Cuba during a prison visit

“He said, quote: ‘I don’t know what’s so wrong with this country,'” Gross, 70, told NPR in a story posted Wednesday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry (L) embraces Alan Gross at Joint Base Andrews

The challenge of finding kosher food in Cuba

“It’s very difficult in Cuba to be shomer Shabbat, or to keep kosher.”

ISRAELI PRODUCTS line the shelves at Chabad Korea’s kosher food store.

Synagogue built by Jews who fled Cuba is struggling in Miami

Cuban Jews founded this congregation in 1961 as immigration from the island nation surged following Fidel Castro’s rise to power in 1959.

Miami

In 1987, Sanders said JFK made him nauseous; now he praises him in new ad

The Democratic president hopeful was appalled by Kennedy's position on the Cuban Revolution.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) speaks after the senate voted on a resolution ending U.S. military support for the war in Yemen on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., December 13, 2018.

Cuban child banned from wearing kippah following violent school bullying

After complying, the prosecutor informed the family that continued action could result in the loss of their right to guardianship over their children.

Parents Olainis Tejada Beltrán and Yeliney Lescaille Prebal with their two children

Ben-Gurion University study says 'Havana Syndrome' caused by pesticides

“The study validates the need for us to continue to learn more about the use of pesticides and other toxins.”

Brain scan (illustrative)

Picasso’s ‘Carmen’

“I’m an immigrant. I was born in Cuba and I grew up here. All I wanted growing up was to connect. This organization allows me to connect. It makes me belong,” he shared.

Ballet Hispanico

Israeli scientist becomes first to speak at Cuban conference

Markel spoke about developments in forestation and large water project tools to adapt to the effects of climate change in Israel and the rest of the Middle East.

 Keren Kayemet L’Israel-Jewish National Fund chief Scientist Dr. Doron Markel [L]

For first time Israeli scientist presents at conference in Cuba

The conference was hosted by Cuba’s Environmental Agency and Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment jointly with other organizations.

Dr. Doron Markel [L] with KKL-JNF conference delegates and leaders of the Cuban Jewish community, July 2019

City of Havana restoring oldest Jewish cemetery in Cuba

The cemetery has deteriorated over many years, as the Jewish community was unable to raise the $200,000 needed to refurbish the entire ground.

The streets of Cuba