RJC Welcomes Release of Alan Gross; Calls Normalizing Relations with Cuba “Unwise”

Washington, D.C. – The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) is happy to know that Alan Gross has been released and is back on American soil after five years of imprisonment in Cuba. On the first day of Hanukkah, Alan Gross was granted light, freedom, and the long-awaited reunion with his family. The RJC joins the entire Jewish community in celebrating his redemption.

Our relief that his long ordeal is over is tempered by our deep concern about President Obama’s decision to begin normalizing relations with the totalitarian government of Cuba. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez (D-NJ) has said that, “President Obama’s actions have vindicated the brutal behavior of the Cuban government.” The people of Cuba are still in prison – many literally so. American steps to open diplomatic and trade relations with Cuba while the government continues to oppress its own people and to support terrorism around the world is unwise. We call on Congress will look into this matter when they reconvene.