International forum denounces war, calls for global solidarity from Venezuela to Palestine

At New York’s Riverside Church, diplomats and activists unite against imperialism and genocide, emphasizing shared struggle.

A powerful message of international solidarity echoed through the packed Assembly Hall at Manhattan’s Riverside Church on Sept. 25. The forum, titled “No to War Against Humanity, from Venezuela to Cuba, Nicaragua, Palestine,” brought together diplomats, activists, and community leaders to condemn escalating warfare and build a unified front for peace.

The event featured high-level speakers from Venezuela and Cuba, who used their platform at the United Nations General Assembly to highlight the interconnected nature of struggles against imperialism, sanctions, and military aggression.

A unified front against imperialism

Ana Teresita Gonzalez, Director General of Consular Affairs for the Cuban Mission, opened with a pledge of Cuba’s unwavering support for Venezuela against a potential U.S. attack. She underscored the deep connection between the plights of Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Palestine, pointing to the resilience of her own people in overcoming the U.S. embargo as a model of resistance.

This theme of solidarity was powerfully reciprocated by Hasam Marajada of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network (USPCN). “With the support of the people in this room and the people of the world, the Palestinian people will be victorious!” he proclaimed. 

“We will finally defeat Zionism, apartheid and colonialism! We will free Palestine, from the river to the sea!” He concluded by affirming that the Palestinian people stand “in unconditional solidarity with all the progressive movements and struggles, especially in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba.”

Exposing the justifications for war

A significant portion of the forum was dedicated to dismantling the narratives used to justify military aggression. Blanca Eekhout, President of the Simon Bolivar Institute for Peace and Solidarity Among Peoples, directly addressed the U.S. accusation of Venezuelan drug trafficking.

“The corporate elites are not representing the interests of the people of the United States,” Eekhout stated. She described the recent illegal missile strikes on Venezuelan fishing boats, which killed 17 people. “They were traveling in small boats that could not make it to the United States. …These people were assassinated without a trial.”

Eehout also detailed the alarming military buildup near Venezuela, noting the presence of “nuclear submarines, warships, military airplanes,” which starkly contrasts with Venezuela’s self-declared status as a “territory of peace.” To debunk the drug trafficking claim, she cited a current United Nations report: “Venezuela is a country that has zero acres of crops of drugs. There is not one acre that is dedicated.”

A shared struggle with workers and poor

Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Minister Yvan Gil framed the conflict not as a confrontation with the U.S. people, but with the U.S. ruling class and its imperialist apparatus. He proclaimed that Venezuela’s revolutionary struggle shares the same objectives as those of the workers, women, and poor in the United States.

“We need to create together a critical mass capable of providing peace,” Gil urged. “It’s not through bombs, missiles, that we can put food on our table; it is not through soldiers that eggs are going to be cheaper, not through violence that happiness and stability will be achieved in our society.” He argued that the threat of war stems from a desire to control Venezuela’s independent path and its vast natural resources, including oil and gold.

Gil concluded with a call to action, stating that “peace and life are the most revolutionary” values. He announced President Maduro’s signing of a world conference for peace and sovereignty but warned that it “will fail if the people in the U.S. don’t join in this effort.” He invited all attendees to participate, emphasizing the urgent need to “stop this bombardment” of threats designed to create fear.

Broad coalition of support

Gail Walker, former director of IFCO / Pastors for Peace, co-chaired the event, along with Sara Flounders of the United National Antiwar Coalition and Workers World News, and Tom Burke of the Anti-War Action Network and the Freedom Road Socialist Organization. It showcased a wide-ranging coalition, with over 20 antiwar and solidarity groups from across the U.S. standing on stage to express their support. 

These groups included Alberto Lovera Bolivarian Circle NYC, Anti-War Action Network, Arm The Dollz, Bayan, Black Is Back Coalition, Bronx Antiwar, Citizen Revolution of Ecuador, Code Pink, Cuba Sí, December 12 Movement, Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Committee – NYC, Workers World Party, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Struggle for Socialism Party / Struggle-La Lucha, The Peoples Forum, Jazz Against Genocide, Nicaragua Solidarity Coalition, SanctionsKill Campaign, United National Antiwar Coalition, U.S. Palestinian Community Network, Venceremos Brigade, Venezuela Solidarity Network, and the U.S. Peace Council.

The forum was organized through the initiative of Dozthor Zurlent of the Simon Bolivar Institute and William Camacaro of the Bolivarian Circle in New York.

A teleSUR video of the event is available at: youtu.be/kqBTwAwSKvY