Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres Fiercely Defends Israel; Visits Jewish School

By: Hal C Clarke

SAR Academy, a Modern Orthodox K-8 day school nestled in the Bronx’s Riverdale neighborhood, was buzzing with excitement.

The reason behind the buzz was none other than Congressman Ritchie Torres, a vocal advocate for Israel both in Congress and online, who was paying a visit to reaffirm his unwavering support for the nation.

JTA reported extensively on Ritchie Torres, becoming a hero in NYC to Jews

As a guest of honor at SAR’s morning assembly, Torres found himself in the midst of a spirited community gathering. The assembly, a daily ritual initiated in response to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, involved the entire school community coming together to recite Tehillim (psalms) for healing and protection, as well as singing prayers for Israel and the Jewish people.

For the students at SAR Academy, Congressman Torres is more than a political figure; he is a familiar face and something of a celebrity.

Having visited the school several times over the past few years and even journeyed to Israel with the school’s principal, Rabbi Binyamin Krauss, last year on a Jewish Community Relations Council trip, Torres was met with enthusiastic applause. Some students displayed posters declaring their affection, reading “The Bronx Loves Ritchie Torres,” while others sought selfies or presented homemade crafts.

Addressing the assembly, Torres, a Democrat who previously served on the New York City Council, expressed his fondness for SAR Academy, describing it as a “special and magical place.” Despite the inherent challenge of avoiding favorites as a congressman, Torres admitted, “SAR is one of my favorites.”

In stark contrast to the warm reception at SAR, Torres faced a different scenario the previous night at the 92NY Jewish cultural center on the Upper East Side. While discussing his recently passed bill regarding a special envoy for the Abraham Accords, he encountered interruptions from anti-Israel protesters who chanted, “Ritchie Torres, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide.”

Despite facing such challenges, Torres remained resolute in his support for Israel. In an interview with the New York Jewish Week, he acknowledged the controversy surrounding him among anti-Israel activists but emphasized the importance of standing firm in one’s beliefs.

The morning at SAR Academy unfolded as a celebration of shared values. Rabbi Krauss, expressing gratitude for Torres’ consistent support, emphasized the need to balance truth with positivity, especially amid recent challenging events. The congressman, along with Israeli Consul General Aviv Ezra, engaged in a press conference with SAR’s student council, showcasing the intersection of politics, education, and advocacy.

Eighth-grader Hannah Goldstein, the student council president, articulated the significance of Torres’ visit, particularly in a climate where discussions about Israel often lead to heated debates. Torres, addressing the students, framed them as contributors to a more peaceful future for Israel, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the Middle East being both pro-Israel and pro-Arab.

In a candid Q&A session, students posed tough questions to Torres about U.S. support for Israel. The congressman responded by shedding light on Congress’s efforts toward a security assistance bill for the Iron Dome and encouraged discernment between people and their governments in the pursuit of peace.

It was Torres himself who proposed the meeting with SAR’s students, recognizing the institution’s iconic status and its role in nurturing future leaders aligned with the principles of the Abraham Accords. As he addressed the students, Torres commended their dedication to advocating for Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.