The Dem rival to Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres was duped by the pretend “Chief Rabbi of Gaza” — whose crazy fake X account as soon as touted “a no holds barred orgy’’ for rabbis and Palestinian refugees.
The phony on-line account of “Rabbi Linda Goldstein” is notorious for its Israel-bashing — however its intent is definitely pro-Israel, looking for to ensnare and expose clueless lefty progressives.
Michael Blake — who’s difficult Torres within the Democratic main for the town’s fifteenth Home seat and has criticized the three-term incumbent as pro-Israel — was taken in by the ruse.
Blake stated he “actually would think about” going to Gaza when requested by “Rabbi Linda Goldstein” after he requested a marketing campaign donation from her, in line with a thread of the dialog obtained by The Put up.
The “rabbi” stated she would “lend my voice to defeat” Torres, who’s “cloaked” with Jewish allies.
“I’m about to go to Gaza for 2 weeks to test on my congregation however please ship me an e-mail,” the pretend rabbi wrote in a Nov. 9, 2025, be aware to Blake, a former state assemblyman.
Blake responded, “Highly effective. And when not in Gaza, the place’s house base?…We want you and your neighborhood to be protected. Thanks for main, inspiring and defending the individuals.”
He then requested the rabbi to contribute to his marketing campaign and whether or not she had any associates within the district.
“Asking if you’ll please donate so we are able to preserve constructing momentum,” the unsuspecting pol wrote. “I’d be extremely grateful. Actually welcome assist with elevating funds and assist. pls.”
The pretend rabbi requested, “Would you think about coming to Gaza?”
Blake responded, “Actually would think about.”
In 2024, each progressive incumbent anti-Israel Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush had been additionally duped by the identical Rabbi Linda Goldstein parody account. Each misplaced their Democratic primaries.
The Rabbi Goldstein X account clearly signifies the particular person behind it’s a satirical prankster.
The X account identifies Goldstein as “Chief Rabbi of #Gaza. #BDS #FreePalestine. I Stand with #Iran. #Trans Rights are Human Rights. Nude Yogi. I/P Commentary.”
“Happy to announce I’ll be internet hosting my annual “Rabbigasm” occasion for Delight Shabbos.
It’s principally a no holds barred orgy restricted to Rabbis and Palestinian refugees,” the positioning posted June 5.
“It’s most likely the wildest intercourse get together of the 12 months. RABBIS. TRUST ME. You received’t need to miss this.”
On June 2, “Rabbi Linda Goldstein” additionally wrote, “Had the very best time marching on the Gaza Delight Parade yesterday. Thanks to the progressive leaders of Hamas for making me Parade Marshal.”
The particular person behind the account instructed The Put up on Monday the aim of it’s to show “the ignorance and absurdity of the `bandwagon’ Free Palestine advocates.
“[Blake] began following me on X so I figured I’d ask if he wanted any help on his marketing campaign,” the Rabbi Goldstein impersonator stated.
“I’ve pissed off many highly effective individuals, together with Houthi terrorists, and for my family’s security haven’t disclosed my id.”
Blake and his marketing campaign provided no instant remark.
A Jewish chief stated Blake getting duped is problematic.
“Anybody looking for to guide conversations in regards to the Center East, together with candidates for workplace who make it a centerpiece of their marketing campaign, ought to first exhibit a powerful understanding of the information,” stated Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Group Relations Council of New York.
“Falling for an apparent fabrication a couple of ‘Chief Rabbi of Gaza’ is greater than an embarrassing social media second. It underscores a broader problem in our public discourse, the place misinformation, slogans, and assumptions too typically change information and substance.”
“At a time when the stakes are so excessive, public leaders have a duty to strategy these points with humility and a dedication to the information. The individuals we serve deserve knowledgeable management, not performative activism.”
