Ritchie Torres condemns celebratory response to October 7 Massacre in powerful speech
Democrat Congressman Ritchie Torres Delivers Passionate Speech on Anti-Semitism
On Monday, Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY), a strong advocate for Israel, delivered a powerful sermon at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. In his speech, Torres passionately addressed the disturbing response to the Hamas massacre of 1,230 Israelis on October 7, expressing his deep shock and horror at the open celebration of such a tragedy.
Torres drew parallels between the aftermath of October 7 and the dark times in American history when public mobs would openly celebrate the lynching of African-Americans or Jewish-Americans. He emphasized the need for condemnation and spoke out against anti-Semitism, questioning why others have chosen to remain silent in the face of such violence.
Quoting Dr. King and Elie Wiesel, Torres highlighted the importance of speaking out against injustice and the danger of indifference. He called for a reckoning of anti-Semitism in American society, urging everyone to confront the deepening rot of hatred on social media platforms, college campuses, and beyond.
Torres emphasized that the glorification of violence and terror, under the guise of “resistance,” goes against the teachings of Dr. King and his non-violent legacy. He urged society to reshape itself in the image of Dr. King, promoting love, equality, and the inherent dignity of every individual.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Torres shared his honor of speaking at the National Mall during the March for Israel. He highlighted the significance of the year 2023, which marked the 75th anniversary of Israel’s rebirth and the 60th anniversary of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech. Despite the tragedy of October 7, Torres expressed his belief that Israel’s dream of Jewish liberation through a Jewish state will continue for the next 75 years and beyond.
Torres recounted a touching story about the origins of the phrase “Am Yisrael Chai” (The people of Israel live), symbolizing hope and liberation. He drew a parallel between the survivors of the Holocaust singing HaTikvah in a Nazi concentration camp and Dr. King’s unwavering hope, even though he knew he might not live to see his dream realized.
In conclusion, Torres emphasized that hope is the anthem of the Jewish people and the driving force behind Dr. King’s vision. He called on everyone to hold onto hope and continue fighting for a better future.
I had the honor of delivering the annual MLK sermon at Central Synagogue.
My speech touches on a range of topics and themes: October 7th, Jim Crow, Leo Frank, MLK, Elie Wiesel, silence, indifference, moral clarity, nonviolence, Israel, Am Yisrael Chai, Hatikvah, and hope. pic.twitter.com/stxqxzgyLi
— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) January 16, 2024
In what ways does Congressman Torres emphasize the importance of education, legislation, and community engagement in combating anti-Semitism and promoting acceptance and respect for all individuals
Istance,” is unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned. He reminded the audience that supporting the Palestinian cause does not necessitate glorifying violence and the loss of innocent lives. He called for a balanced approach that acknowledges the suffering on both sides and seeks peaceful resolutions.
Furthermore, Torres expressed his disappointment in the lack of leadership from some of his colleagues in Congress. He called on fellow lawmakers to prioritize the fight against anti-Semitism and to reject any form of extremism or hate speech. He urged them to use their platforms to promote unity, understanding, and tolerance.
The Congressman also expressed concern about the rise of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States. He cited recent acts of vandalism, harassment, and discrimination targeting Jewish community members, emphasizing the urgent need to address these issues before they escalate further. Torres stressed the importance of education, legislation, and community engagement in combating anti-Semitism and fostering greater acceptance and respect for all individuals.
In closing, Torres reaffirmed his commitment to standing up against anti-Semitism and all forms of hatred and prejudice. He urged the audience to join him in this fight, reminding them of the words of Martin Luther King Jr., who said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” He called on everyone to break the silence and to stand up for what is right, just, and inclusive.
Congressman Ritchie Torres delivered a passionate speech on anti-Semitism that resonated with the audience at Central Synagogue and beyond. His powerful words served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against hate and the importance of unity in building a better future. It is our hope that more leaders will follow in his footsteps and take a stand against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. Together, we can work towards a society where everyone is respected, valued, and treated with dignity.
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