Takes issue with Press Israeli protest and rally coverage

(Re: “Pro-Palestine supporters: Torres supports genocide,” Oct. 26.)

To the Editor:

The headline “Pro-Palestine supporters:  Torres supports genocide” with the picture of the pro-Israel SAR students  beneath the smaller subtitle “SAR students:  We stand with U.S. Rep Ritchie Torres stance.”

This is blatantly misleading to a casual reader.  Also, the mention that Ritchie Torres was not there, was true; however the reporter, Eric Harvey, should have mentioned where he may have been — maybe in Washington, D.C., to vote for Speaker of the House?  

The Riverdale Press quotes pro-Palestinians but not so much from attendees of the pro-Israeli rally, where the Dinowitzes, Vanessa Gibson, Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club, Community rabbis and faculty of SAR and students who all eloquently spoke about Israel’s right to defend themselves in the face of these horrific terrorist attacks and thanking Ritchie Torres and President Biden for their strong support.

They talked about the desire for peace, but also defending the lives of innocents, including the Palestinian people, and being united in fighting antisemitism which is at an all-time high, not only in this country, but worldwide.

I understand that a reporter was not at the Seton Park event, but there should have been. The quotes from the Pro-Palestinian groups were anything but peaceful, but some of the quotes seemed to aspire to incite violence.  I looked up the Jewish Voice for Peace and True Torah which are patently anti-Zionist organizations.  The Pro-Israel groups at the rally spoke about eradicating Hamas, but not the innocent Palestinian people.  I am extremely disappointed with The Riverdale Press coverage!

By the way, who is Mili Vonilla who is quoted as a pro-Palestinian?”  Are you familiar with Milli Vanilli, the fraudster duo from a few years ago?  I tried to Google this person, but I am not sure she/he exists.  Should you even quote someone without verifying in some way who they may be?  Is it a coincidence or an agitator wishing to remain anonymous by choosing an ironic pseudonym?  I also found several typos which should have been thoroughly proofread.  (e.g., “Ritchie Torres’ stance”) which indicates lack of attention.  

I was at Seton Park and I know what I heard, and what I saw — speakers being introduced and clearly identifying themselves.  I did not see anyone from The Riverdale Press although I was standing close to the Channel 7 cameraman and the Bronx News 12 cameraman.  

Judith Minkoff-Grey and
Julie Marcus

EDITOR’S NOTE: A photographer from The Riverdale Press was present and his photos ran in the Oct. 26 edition. The person cited is actually Mili Bonilla, executive director of Mothers on the Move.