Bronx Rabbis Support Pro-Israel Rep. Richie Torres Amidst Controversy

Rabbi leaders in the Bronx are backing Congressman Richie Torres, asserting that a newly released campaign video from his Democratic primary opponent, Michael Blake, stirs “anti-Semitism.”

In Blake’s campaign video, he features a segment where anti-Israel activist Guy Christensen calls for support of a gunman linked to the deaths of two Israeli embassy workers in Washington, D.C. Christensen further accused Torres of “secretly investing in genocide.”

“This launch video is not only opportunistic, but it’s also profoundly offensive,” stated a group of over a dozen rabbis from Riverdale Jewish organizations in a statement obtained by the Post.

Christensen, who identifies as “YourFavoriteGuy” on social media, is known for his anti-Israel stance. Back in May, he urged his nearly one million followers to “support” Elias Rodriguez, a suspected killer, in a rant that was ultimately removed from TikTok.

“Highlighting someone who supports such violence in a campaign undermines the progressive values he claims to uphold,” the statement, which includes signatures from SAR Academy principal Rabbi Binyamin Kraus and others, read.

In the video, Blake accuses Torres of caring more for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee than for his constituents in the Bronx.

Interestingly, Blake, a former Bronx councilman, recently deleted an Instagram post celebrating his attendance at the AIPAC conference, which some might find contradictory.

Torres has previously urged Capitol Police to look into a supposed threat made by Christensen that included the chilling phrase, “if I live.”

Kraus expressed to the Post that Blake’s campaign had started on a divisive note by positioning itself against Jewish communities. He added that local Jewish leaders intend to support Torres as he seeks re-election for a fourth term.

“Richie Torres is a great leader. He’s done a lot for the Bronx, and we are thankful for that,” Kraus remarked.

No immediate response has come from Blake’s campaign regarding the backlash.

Meanwhile, another candidate, Dalony Nemorin—a public defender and community organizer affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America—has entered the race against Torres.

The election landscape is notably shifting, with Democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani’s mayoral win inspiring a number of left-leaning candidates, many challenging established Democratic figures like Torres.

The 15th Congressional District encompasses a wide array of neighborhoods across the Bronx, spanning from areas like Allerton to Williamsbridge and Woodlawn.