Embattled Squad member Rep. Jamal Bowman has been heavily criticized by pro-Israel activists for forming a joint fundraising committee with Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib.
Mr. Bowman, who represents a district that includes parts of Bronx and Westchester counties, joined forces with Mr. Tlaib after he was censured by the Republican-led House of Representatives for defending the terrorist organization Hamas and the October 7 invasion of Israel. It seems like it will.
Records filed with the Federal Election Commission show that the Bowman-Traib Committee was formed on February 14 to assist Bowman in the Democratic primary against moderate Westchester County Executive George Latimer. .
“Given Mr. Bowman’s anti-Israel history, this action at this time is not surprising,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, executive vice president of the New York State Board of Rabbis.
“Tlaib couldn’t even vote against Hamas. She is an enemy to the Jewish people,” he said.
The war between Hamas and Israel is a serious issue in Mr. Bowman’s 16th Congressional District, as some pro-Jewish groups strongly support Mr. Latimer.
Mr. Latimer also jumped on board with Mr. Bowman and Mr. Traib’s joint fundraising campaign.
“Our campaign continues to grow our support in our hometowns of Westchester and the Bronx, raising money and gaining support from local residents who want better representation in Congress,” Latimer’s campaign said in a statement. ” he said.
“Incumbents with small numbers in the district now refuse to denounce the rape of Israeli women and work with Congressman Tlaib, who is actively working to defeat President Biden in his home state of Michigan. That says it all.”
Mr. Tlaib (D-Mich.) and Mr. Bowman are members of the so-called “Squad,” which also includes Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is supporting Mr. Bowman’s re-election.
Bowman’s campaign has not yet commented on the joint fundraiser with Tlaib. The joint committee appears to be benefitting Bowman as a fundraising vehicle as Tlaib faces major major challenges.
“This is going to be a close race. It’s going to be an ugly race,” said AJ Woodson, editor-in-chief of blackwestchester.com and familiar with both candidates.
Woodson reported last week that Latimer accused Bowman of accepting money from Hamas. Bowman threatened to sue Latimer for defamation and accused his rival of Islamophobia.
