Jewish Leaders Condemn Michael Blake’s Campaign Video Targeting Rep. Ritchie Torres

Former assemblymember Michael Blake, a candidate challenging U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres in next year’s Democratic primary election, faced criticism from some members of the Jewish community for his campaign launch video. 

The announcement featured a clip from pro-Palestinian activist and influencer Guy Christensen, where he stated Torres was “exposed for secretly investing in genocide.” 

Fifteen Jewish leaders from the district — 14 rabbis and one head of a private day school — wrote a letter on Nov. 11 condemning Blake’s use of the clip. 

Rabbi Bini Krauss of Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy, Rabbi Dovid Zirkind of the Riverdale Jewish Center, Thomas Gardner of the Riverdale Temple, and Rabbi Scott Kalmikoff of the Riverdale Y were a few of those listed. 

The letter stated leaders were “deeply disturbed and upset” by the video, adding that it was “not only opportunistic, but also deeply offensive.”

It cited Christensen’s response to the death of two Israeli American diplomats, where he said the killer wasn’t motivated by antisemitism, and was “not a terrorist” but a “resistance fighter.” 

The leaders believe Christensen has used his platform to justify violence against the Jewish community. Blake’s inclusion of him in the video violated the progressive values Blake is running on, they said. 

“At a time when polarization, disrespect, and antisemitism are all on the rise, anyone seeking public office must demonstrate sensitivity, decency, civil discourse and moral clarity,” the letter read. 

It went on to say that the Bronx faces major issues such as safety and affordability, which demand leadership instead of language that divides people. 

“Mr. Blake’s campaign should be run on the strength of his ideas, his record and his vision for the Bronx,” the leaders concluded. “What we have seen instead is a reckless and dangerous attempt to inflame prejudice and antisemitism for political gain. Such behavior demeans the office he seeks and disrespects the community he hopes to serve.”

Blake did not respond to multiple requests for comment. 

The rest of his campaign launch video focused on Torres’ stance on Israel, particularly the donations received from the lobbying group American Israel Public Affairs Committee, also known as AIPAC. One graphic used read “Ritchie Torres cares more about Bibi than the Bronx,” referring to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin “Bibi” Netanyahu. 

Torres’ spokesperson, Benny Stanislawski, called Blake’s campaign opportunistic in a statement to The Press.

“There’s a reason Bronx voters trust Ritchie Torres,” Stanislawski said. “He’s been their champion in Congress, laser-focused on issues like public housing and affordability while standing up to [President] Donald Trump. That’s why he’s going to win again next year.” 

Blake unsuccessfully ran for mayor, Congress and public advocate in the past. 

Blake is a South Bronx-native who previously served three terms as an assemblymember for the 79th District — covering Concourse Village, Melrose, Morrisania, Claremont, Belmont and East Tremont. He’s also worked under former President Barack Obama in the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, and as vice chair of the Democratic National Committee. 

His platform, called “the Bronx Plan,” aims to put residents first by creating jobs, targeting affordability and public safety, as well as improving public and low-income housing. 

Torres’ other main challenger is Dalourny Nemorin, a public defender and advocate who moved to the city from Miami in 2011. A community board member for nearly two years, she is also focused on housing and affordability, as well as improving the environment by building more green infrastructure in the borough. 

The Democratic primary is set for June 2026. The general election will follow in November.