Longtime supporter of Israel and Jewish community to receive honorary doctorate.
(Courtesy of Touro) Congressman Ritchie Torres (D-NY) will serve as keynote speaker for the 51st commencement ceremony of Touro’s Lander Colleges, to be held on May 25 at Lincoln Center in New York City. Torres will receive an honorary doctorate at the event.
Congressman Torres, who now represents New York’s 15th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, previously served in the New York City Council. He chaired the Committee on Public Housing and served as deputy majority leader. He passed more than 40 pieces of legislation, including laws protecting the city’s affordable housing stock and tackling the city’s opioid epidemic.
Torres, who was raised by a single mother in a public housing project with mold, lead, leaks and no reliable heat or hot water, considers himself a fighter from the Bronx.
Advocating for Israel
In addition to working for those struggling with poverty, Torres is a passionate supporter of Israel and the Jewish community. In the wake of the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, he issued a statement in support of Israel and condemning the actions of Hamas. In the months that followed, he joined Jewish students, parents, faith leaders and advocates in calling out antisemitism on college campuses across the U.S. and pushing federal education officials to protect Jewish and all other students from hostile learning environments.
“Touro is honored to recognize the efforts and action of Congressman Torres to advocate for the Jewish community and speak out against antisemitism and bias everywhere,” said Touro President Dr. Alan Kadish.
Torres introduced legislation to create a new special envoy for the Abraham Accords, who is responsible for coordinating on behalf of the U.S. government with regional ambassadors, nongovernmental organizations and other stakeholders to strengthen and expand the Accords. In light of the current war, Torres feels it is more important than ever to protect Israel’s global standing and partnerships.
The congressman also introduced the No Foreign Gifts Act into the U.S. House of Representatives, which amended the Higher Education Act of 1965 to include a prohibition of gifts from foreign nations that have provided financial support of foreign terrorist organizations, including China, Russia, North Korea and Iran.
Message to Graduates
Torres has a positive message for Touro University’s 600 graduates. “Looking at my own experience, I never thought, by the grace of God, I would have a fighting chance to rebuild my life and go on to become the youngest elected official in America’s largest city, and a member of the United States Congress,” Torres said. “And so for me the lesson learned is: even in your moment of greatest darkness, never lose hope. Believe in yourself and in our great country, where these kinds of [implausible] successes are possible.”
“I am proud to be joining and celebrating Touro University’s graduating class of tireless students who will undoubtedly become key leaders across the nation. Their achievements should inspire us all. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!” said Congressman Torres.
