What It’s About

Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY) criticized New York Magazine for using a photo of Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado instead of his own in an article he called an “anti-Israel hit piece.” Torres, a staunch supporter of Israel, took issue with the publication for both its editorial stance and the misidentification. The article focused on Torres, ex-Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-NY), and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) for their pro-Israel positions since the conflict in Gaza began last October.

Why It Matters

This incident sheds light on the intersectionality of media representation, political perspectives on Israel, and public discourse within the Democratic Party. Torres’ pro-Israel stance has made him a focal point of controversy within the progressive wing of the party, revealing deeper ideological divides concerning Middle Eastern policy.

Driving the News

Torres slammed the magazine for failing to properly verify the photo, alongside critiquing its anti-Israel narrative. “Not all Black people look the same,” Torres pointed out, emphasizing the racial oversight.

Key Details

On Friday, New York Magazine wrongly illustrated Torres’ image in an article but used a photo of Antonio Delgado instead. The mix-up went viral, leading Torres to criticize the magazine for its mistake.

The magazine quickly replaced Delgado’s image with Torres’ and issued an editor’s note admitting the error: “A photo-illustration in a previous version of this story incorrectly included Antonio Delgado, not Ritchie Torres.”

The Big Picture

Since Hamas’ attacks in Gaza last year, Torres and Fetterman have consistently voiced pro-Israel sentiments, positioning themselves prominently within the Democratic Party. Their stance marks a significant discussion point on where the party stands regarding Middle Eastern affairs, especially given the ongoing conflict.

Rep. Torres on Israel

Rep. Torres remains a vocal supporter of Israel. During a recent CNN interview, he criticized fellow Democrat Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) for her rhetoric, attributing her policies to increasing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians.

The Bottom Line

The misidentification incident underscores ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party about Israel. As political dynamics evolve, representatives like Torres are significantly shaping the narrative around U.S.-Israel relations.

This story was first published on foxnews.com.