A Democratic candidate vying against U.S. Rep. Richie Torres has criticized him after he removed social media posts that showed him engaging with pro-Israel lobbying groups.
Michael Blake, a former Bronx councilman trying to unseat Torres in the upcoming Democratic primary, deleted a post that highlighted Torres’ presence at an American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) event during a strong attack on the three-term incumbent.
“While Richie is fighting for genocide, I’m ready to fight for you and lower your cost of living,” Blake stated.
“Richie only cares about AIPAC and books. Meanwhile, I’ll focus on affordable housing. I invest in the community; Richie invests in bombs. I want to eliminate credit scores for housing, while Richie just wants to take the credit.”
Interestingly, Blake has maintained a pro-Israel stance and attended AIPAC events from 2014 to 2017.
On March 28, 2017, at an AIPAC event, he said, “It’s an honor to be on stage at AIPAC.”
He even shared a photo of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussing “Citizen Compassion @AIPAC.”
Blake notably backed Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani before the Democratic primary, while Torres endorsed former Governor Andrew Cuomo. Though Torres won the primary, he did not endorse Mamdani after Mamdani’s recent general election victory.
Torres previously considered running for governor but later decided to seek re-election for his congressional seat. Other left-leaning Democrats have rallied behind Blake in the primary, aiming to challenge Torres. This includes Brooklyn City Councilman Chi Osse, reported to be gearing up to compete against House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Jewish activists in New York have accused Blake of betraying Israel, deeming his actions as opportunistic and soulless in his quest for office.
“Removing every pro-Israel post on the eve of an election doesn’t just throw your Jewish friends under the bus, but it also erases your integrity,” remarked Mark Trager, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
“In a time of rising hate and division, New Yorkers deserve leaders who are honest and honorable, with integrity, not those who rewrite values based on electoral needs.”
Brooklyn City Councilmember Simcha Eichenstein commented, “So who’s the real deal? A few months ago, Blake claimed to be the most pro-Israel candidate in the mayoral primary, showcasing a track record to match. Has everything changed just because he wants to take on Ritchie Torres?”
Responding to Blake’s attacks, Benjamin Stanislawski, a spokesperson for Torres’ campaign, stated, “Michael Blake only cares about using the Bronx for his own gain and will likely lose again. Bronx voters trust Richie because he champions public housing and affordability.”
Blake did not provide an immediate response.
Rep. Torres’ district spans much of the Bronx, including neighborhoods like Allerton, Bathgate, Baychester, Belmont, and several others.
