Ritchie Torres criticizes Harvard student groups for blaming Israel amid Hamas attacks.
Rep. Ritchie Torres Slams Harvard Student Organizations for Blaming Israel
Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) strongly criticized several student organizations from Harvard University who signed a letter accusing the Israeli government of being responsible for the violence and casualties resulting from the Hamas attacks.
Hamas, a terrorist organization governing Palestine, launched a series of assaults on Israel by land, air, and sea early Saturday. The attacks have claimed the lives of over 700 Israelis and nearly 500 Palestinians, with thousands more injured and hundreds of civilians and soldiers taken captive, following Israel’s declaration of war against Hamas.
Antony Blinken Vows to Verify Reports of Americans Dead in Israel
“Israel is the victim of a terrorist attack. Hamas is the perpetrator. It’s as simple as that. There are no ’both sides,'” Torres passionately expressed in a post on X, responding to the letter signed by more than 30 Harvard student groups.
The organizations stated that they hold the Israeli regime entirely accountable for the ongoing events, emphasizing that millions of Palestinians have been subjected to living in an open-air prison.
“In the upcoming days, Palestinians will bear the full brunt of Israel’s violence. The apartheid regime is solely to blame, as Israeli violence has shaped every aspect of Palestinian existence for 75 years,” the groups wrote. “We urge the Harvard community to take action to halt the ongoing annihilation of Palestinians.”
However, Torres argued that the groups are misdirecting their focus on the wrong party experiencing violence.
“Here we have over 30 student organizations from Harvard University, blaming the victims, Israelis, for their own murder, rape, and abduction, instead of holding the perpetrator, Hamas, accountable for their acts of murder, rape, and abduction,” Torres stated. “By demonizing Israel to the extent of denying the humanity of Israeli victims and the inhumanity of their perpetrators, they are disguising moral confusion as moral clarity.”
Torres is among several Democrats who, along with most Republicans, have condemned the Hamas attack and expressed unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself against the militants. Some Democrats, including “Squad” members Reps. Cori Bush (D-MO) and Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), are advocating for a broader restoration of order and peace without assigning blame to either side.
Tlaib released a statement on Sunday regarding the “ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine,” echoing the sentiments expressed by the 30 Harvard student organizations and other pro-Palestine groups. She affirmed her determination to fight for a “just future” where “everyone can live in peace,” calling for an end to the “occupation” in Israel.
Click here to read more from The Washington Examiner.
“The path to that future must include lifting the blockade, ending the occupation, and dismantling the apartheid conditions that can lead to resistance,” Tlaib asserted. “As long as our government provides billions in unconditional funding to support the apartheid government, this heartbreaking cycle of violence will continue.”
President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have assured Israeli leaders of the United States’ unwavering support and commitment, offering additional aid in the days to come. The number of Americans who lost their lives in Israel due to the Hamas attacks has risen from four to nine, confirmed State Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Monday morning.
How does Torres characterize the student organizations at Harvard that blamed Israel for the violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
Niversity, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, blaming Israel for the violence and casualties resulting from Hamas attacks,” Torres stated. “This is a clear case of misplaced blame and a failure to recognize the true perpetrators of terrorism.”
Torres, who has been a vocal advocate for peace and justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, stressed that Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and countless other countries around the world. With a long track record of launching attacks against Israeli civilians and using innocent Palestinians as shields, Hamas is directly responsible for the current escalation of violence.
“These student organizations need to understand the reality on the ground. Israel has been subject to relentless rocket attacks from Hamas, forcing its citizens to live in fear and fear for their lives,” Torres emphasized. ”To ignore this fact and lay blame solely on Israel is not only misguided but also unjust.”
Torres called on the Harvard community to educate themselves on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and to consider the implications of their statements and actions. He urged them to recognize the importance of condemning terrorism and supporting the right of Israelis to live in peace and security.
“We must focus on the root causes of the conflict and work towards a peaceful resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians,” Torres asserted. “Blaming Israel alone is counterproductive and only serves to perpetuate the cycle of violence.”
Torres concluded by expressing his disappointment in the Harvard student organizations for their failure to acknowledge the role played by Hamas in the current crisis. He called on them to reconsider their stance and engage in open dialogue that promotes understanding, empathy, and a genuine commitment to peace.
“It is my hope that these student organizations will take a more balanced and informed approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” Torres said. “Only through honest and respectful dialogue can we hope to achieve a just and lasting solution for all parties involved.”
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
