In a powerful demonstration of international solidarity, the July 26 Friends Group convened its sixth national gathering in Usulután, El Salvador, drawing nearly 200 participants from across the Central American nation. The organization, which maintains a special facility in Cuban territory dedicated to supporting war veterans and disabled former combatants, organized what activist Raúl Martínez characterized as a profound ‘friendship and brotherhood’ assembly.
The meeting served as a platform to express unwavering support for both the Cuban people and their government amidst ongoing economic challenges. Participants unanimously condemned the longstanding United States economic embargo against Cuba, identifying its termination as a primary objective of their collective advocacy efforts.
In a tangible display of their commitment, attendees organized a fundraising initiative specifically designed to alleviate some of the hardships faced by Cuban citizens resulting from the comprehensive trade restrictions. This financial campaign represents the latest in a series of efforts by Salvadoran social organizations to provide material assistance to the Caribbean nation.
The July 26 Friends Group takes its name from the date of Fidel Castro’s 1953 attack on the Moncada Barracks, a seminal event in the Cuban Revolution. The organization has maintained consistent ties with Cuban institutions for decades, particularly through its specialized care facility for military veterans on the island.