In defense of Ritchie Torres

To the editor,

Your March 5, 2026, edition published a letter to the editor titled “Endorsing Ritchie Torres betrays the Bronx.” Why? Clearly it is because he backs Israel. The letter mentions Torres received backing from pro-Israel and pro-Jewish organizations and people. What does that and endorsing funds for weapons to the only democracy in the Middle East have to do with the Bronx? Perhaps Ritchie believes in backing the only country in the Middle East that accepts LGBTQ+ people. Does Hamas or Gaza or Hezbollah or Iran? 

Ritchie has been the same excellent representative from and for the Bronx since he was a young city council member. He has, and continues, to maintain an excellent record of representing his Bronx constituents. He doesn’t need “propping up.” His support of Israel is not a betrayal of the Bronx. Is that his only blemish? Apparently yes, per Clarke. 

Thank you, Ritchie. 

DAVID MALACH