Ritchie Torres's pro-Israel activism sparks controversy in DC — and within his own family

• Published date: 10 April 2024
• Author: RON KAMPEAS/JTA
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

In the two-minute clip, shared on April 4, the Bronx congressman parries accusations from pro-Palestinian activists that he supports the starvation of children during a genocide in Gaza. In response, he denies that Israel is committing genocide and blames the humanitarian crisis in Gaza on Hamas stealing aid meant for civilians. Both arguments hew closely to the Israeli government line

A pro-Israel activist called Torres a "king" for how he responded to the activists. An opponent wrote, "Torres lies, people die!"

Torres unused to the attention

But for Torres himself, the exchange was a sharp turn from the reception he got two days earlier, when he wrapped up a three-day trip to Israel. There, he told the New York Jewish Week, he was treated like a celebrity.

"It's unusual for me to have people ask for my autograph without mistaking me, without thinking that I'm someone other than myself," he said. He's been mistaken in the past for Trevor Noah, the former Daily Show host.

"I went into Israel thinking that I had no name recognition," he said. "But I had a little more than I thought."

That positivity reflects the increasingly unpopular position Torres has carved out for himself in the six months since Oct. 7. In the weeks after Hamas' invasion, nearly every official on Capitol Hill expressed support for Israel. Now, criticism of its war effort has mounted among Democrats, and Torres is one of a shrinking number of lawmakers in the party who remains a staunch backer of Israel's actions, and often of its government's talking points.

Torres's support for Israel has made him one of the biggest recipients of funds from AIPAC and other pro-Israel groups. But he also said he suffers near constant opprobrium for that position. On Christmas, activists left a bloody baby doll outside his office. It was meant to represent Jesus as a Palestinian.

"The escalation in intimidation and incitement against Members of Congress feels like it is heading in a dangerous direction," he wrote in response on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "I, for one, will not be intimidated."

Sometimes the tension strikes close to home — very close. He said he was "no longer on speaking terms" with a close relative whom he asked the New York Jewish Week not to identify over his positions on Israel.

His mood — at least according to photos sent out by his office — was different in Israel, where he looked relaxed and happy. After returning from the trip, he praised Israelis as "resilient"...