Rep. Ritchie Torres expressed his concerns about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, stating that the terrorist group feels empowered by the demonization of Israel and the anti-Israel protests. Torres pointed out that Hamas had rejected the latest ceasefire proposal, indicating that there would be no progress in the peace talks. This rejection came despite efforts by Egyptian mediators to broker peace between the two sides.
Moreover, Torres made a connection between the anti-Israel rhetoric and the actions of Hamas, suggesting that the terrorist group’s refusal to engage in peace talks was influenced by the demonization of Israel. He highlighted the importance of supporting Israel and condemning Hamas’ actions in the conflict. Torres had previously resigned from the Congressional Progressive Caucus over disagreements related to the Israel-Hamas war, further emphasizing his strong stance in support of Israel.
In addition, Torres criticized the involvement of Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund in directing funds to anti-Israel organizations like The People’s Forum, which had ties to the Chinese Communist Party. He drew parallels between the genocidal ideology of Hamas and the rhetoric promoted by anti-Israel groups, condemning the spread of propaganda that demonizes Israel. Torres also called for heightened scrutiny of educational content in New York City public schools to ensure that anti-Israel influences are not present.
Despite facing backlash for his support of Israel, Torres continued to speak out against the demonization of the Jewish state and the actions of Hamas. He voiced his concerns about the influence of external entities like the Qatar International Foundation in shaping educational content that excluded Israel. Torres emphasized the need to challenge the anti-Israel propaganda that was infiltrating the public-school system and potentially influencing students’ perceptions of the Middle East conflict.
Furthermore, Torres highlighted the impact of the ongoing conflict on Israeli civilians, pointing out that Hamas had taken hostages during their attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7. Many of these hostages were still believed to be in Gaza, with reports indicating that some had died in captivity. Despite these challenges, Torres continued to advocate for peace and condemn the actions of Hamas, urging for a resolution to the conflict that would ensure the safety and security of all parties involved.
Overall, Rep. Ritchie Torres has been a vocal supporter of Israel and a critic of Hamas, expressing his concerns about the demonization of Israel and the impact on peace efforts. He has called out anti-Israel rhetoric and actions, including the involvement of external entities that promote negative narratives about the Jewish state. Despite facing opposition, Torres remained steadfast in his support of Israel and efforts to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Hamas.
