Add The New York Post on Google The Dem rival to Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres was duped by the fake “Chief Rabbi of Gaza” — whose loopy faux X account once touted “a no holds barred orgy’’ for rabbis and Palestinian refugees.
The phony online account of “Rabbi Linda Goldstein” is infamous for its Israel-bashing — but its intent is actually pro-Israel, seeking to ensnare and expose clueless lefty progressives.
Michael Blake — who is challenging Torres in the Democratic primary for the city’s 15th House seat and has criticized the three-term incumbent as pro-Israel — was taken in by the ruse.
Democrat Michael Blake is running for the city’s 15th House seat. POOL/AFP via Getty Images Blake said he “certainly would consider” going to Gaza when asked by “Rabbi Linda Goldstein” after he requested a campaign donation from her, according to a thread of the conversation obtained by The Post.
The “rabbi” said she would “lend my voice to defeat” Torres, who is “cloaked” with Jewish allies.
“I’m about to head to Gaza for two weeks to check on my congregation but please send me an email,” the fake rabbi wrote in a Nov. 9, 2025, note to Blake, a former state assemblyman.
Blake responded, “Powerful. And when not in Gaza, where’s home base?…We need you and your community to be safe. Thank you for leading, inspiring and protecting the people.”
He then asked the rabbi to contribute to his campaign and whether she had any friends in the district.
“Asking if you will please donate so we can keep building momentum,” the unsuspecting pol wrote. “I’d be incredibly grateful. Certainly welcome help with raising funds and support. pls.”
The fake rabbi asked, “Would you consider coming to Gaza?”
Blake responded, “Certainly would consider.”
In 2024, both progressive incumbent anti-Israel Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush were also duped by the same Rabbi Linda Goldstein parody account. Both lost their Democratic primaries.
The Rabbi Goldstein X account clearly indicates the person behind it is a satirical prankster.
Representative Ritchie Torres, a Democrat from New York. Bloomberg via Getty Images “Pleased to announce I’ll be hosting my annual “Rabbigasm” event for Pride Shabbos.It’s basically a no holds barred orgy limited to Rabbis and Palestinian refugees,” the site posted June 5.
“It’s probably the wildest sex party of the year. RABBIS. TRUST ME. You won’t want to miss this.”
On June 2, “Rabbi Linda Goldstein” also wrote, “Had the best time marching at the Gaza Pride Parade yesterday. Thank you to the progressive leaders of Hamas for making me Parade Marshal.”
The person behind the account told The Post on Monday the purpose of it is to expose “the ignorance and absurdity of the `bandwagon’ Free Palestine advocates.
“[Blake] started following me on X so I figured I would ask if he needed any assistance on his campaign,” the Rabbi Goldstein impersonator said.
“I’ve pissed off many powerful people, including Houthi terrorists, and for my own family’s safety have not disclosed my identity.”
Blake and his campaign offered no immediate comment.
A Jewish leader said Blake getting duped is problematic.
“Anyone seeking to lead conversations about the Middle East, including candidates for office who make it a centerpiece of their campaign, should first demonstrate a strong understanding of the facts,” said Mark Treyger, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.
“Falling for an obvious fabrication about a ‘Chief Rabbi of Gaza’ is more than an embarrassing social media moment. It underscores a broader challenge in our public discourse, where misinformation, slogans, and assumptions too often replace knowledge and substance.”
“At a time when the stakes are so high, public leaders have a responsibility to approach these issues with humility and a commitment to the facts. The people we serve deserve informed leadership, not performative activism.”
