Congressman Ritchie Torres Given Hero’s Welcome in Crown Heights

On Sunday, Crown Heights leaders hosted a welcome breakfast at the home of Yaacov and Shevi Behrman for congressmen Ritchie Torres. Speaker after speaker praised Congressman Torres for his unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, particularly in the wake of the murderous attack on October 7th. They also highlighted how rare and comforting it is to meet someone in government who is unafraid and passionate about fighting antisemitism.

During the event, attendees engaged in discussions with the congressman about key issues facing the Jewish community, including rising antisemitism on college campuses and social media, challenges surrounding yeshiva education, and public safety, housing security, and the mental health crisis in New York State. Just the day before, an individual was attacked with scissors in Crown Heights, underscoring the urgency of these conversations. It was clear from the crowd’s warm reception that Congressman Torres is deeply appreciated and admired by the Crown Heights community.

Before breakfast, Congressman Torres visited the Rebbe’s house, accompanied by Rabbi Mendy Krinsky, Baila Olidort, Director of Communications for Chabad Headquarters, Rabbi Yaacov Behrman, Founder of the JFA, and PR liaison for Chabad HQ, and Rabbi Mendy Margolin, JFA board member. Following the visit to the Rebbe’s house and a discussion about the special blessings connected with the Rebbe’s dollars, Baila Olidort presented the congressman with a personal dollar that she received from the Rebbe in 1985.

The breakfast was attended by a number of prominent Jewish leaders, including Rabbi Shea Hecht, Chairman of NCFJE, Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302, Mica Sofer, Publisher of COLLIVE, Rabbi Mendy Hershkop, Chairman of Crown Heights Shomrim, JJ Katz of Crown Heights Hatzalah, Rabbi Lazar Avtzon of the Crown Heights Shul Association, activist Avi Leches, Rabbis Zalman Friedman and Shmuel Rosenstein of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council, Rabbi Shalom Goldstein, Executive Director of Beth Rivkah, Sam Stern, President of the Carroll Street Block Association, local businessmen Shaya Gordon, Menachem Light, Tuvi Greisman, Nochum Labkowski, Mendel Pinson, Yossi Kopstien, Avi Webb, Dovid Katz, Shlomie Hecht, Yossi Hershkop, Yossi Sofer, Max Cohen, and Mendy Weisz, Leibel Baumgarten and AD48 District Leader Pinny Ringel.

Entertainment celebrities Benny Friedman and Mendy Pellin were also in attendance.