Members of the far-left “Squad,” which faces tough challenges from within the party, recently took part in a fundraiser co-sponsored by Islamic leaders, calling the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians “delightful to see.” ” he said.
Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who represents New York’s 16th Congressional District, attended a May 1 fundraiser at a private residence in Fairfax, Virginia, and is a highly controversial and anti-Semitic figure. He didn’t seem to mind the presence of Nihad Awad, a member of parliament. He is the national executive director and co-founder of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
Awad came under intense scrutiny last year after he expressed joy over a Hamas attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis, including women and infants, and claimed that Israel “has no right to self-defense.”
Veterans of key battleground races expand their campaigns, setting their sights firmly on vulnerable Democrats
“The people of Gaza simply decided on October 7th to break the siege, the walls of the concentration camp,” Awad said at the 16th Annual Palestine Conference held near Chicago on November 24th. said. “And yes, I was happy to see people breaking the siege, throwing off the shackles of their land, and walking free into their own land where they had never been able to walk freely.”
He continued: “Certainly, the people of Gaza have the right to self-defense, they have the right to defend themselves. And certainly, as an occupying power, Israel does not have a right to self-defense.”
Awad’s comments later prompted the Biden administration to distance itself from CAIR, saying it would exclude CAIR from its pledge to combat anti-Semitism.
At the time, White House Press Secretary Andrew Bates issued a statement to Fox News Digital saying, “We condemn in the strongest terms these shocking anti-Semitic statements.”
Former Trump official announces massive ‘deport everyone’ border operation as he seeks to flip key Senate seat
Congressman Jamal Bowman (New York) (left) and Council on American-Islamic Relations co-founder Nihad Awad (Getty Images/File)
“The horrific and brutal terrorist attack committed by Hamas on October 7 was, as President Biden has said, ‘abhorrent’ and represents ‘pure evil,'” Bates said.
“October 7th was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust,” he continued. “The atrocities of that day shocked the conscience. That is why we can never forget the suffering that Hamas caused to so many innocent people.”
“Some families are suffering as they mourn their loved ones, and others are suffering as they do everything in their power to free their loved ones who have been taken hostage,” Bates said. “All leaders have a responsibility to condemn anti-Semitism wherever it rears its ugly head.”
Republicans in battleground states overturn Trump trial judge’s ‘dangerous’ ruling
Westchester County Executive George Latimer (Gina Moon of The Washington Post, via Getty Images/File)
Ahead of the fundraiser, Awad took to social media to praise Bowman as “a staunch defender of Palestinian rights” and urged people to participate and donate.
It is unclear why Mr. Bowman chose to attend the fundraiser with Mr. Awad, and his campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Bowman is expected to face a tough primary race against George Latimer, a former Westchester County executive who previously served in the New York State House and State Senate.
The primary election will be held on June 25th. Election analysts rate the race as “safe” or “solid” Democratic, so the winner is likely to represent the district next term.
Fox News’ Timothy HJ Nerozzi contributed to this report.
Get the latest on the 2024 campaign trail, exclusive interviews and more with Fox News Digital’s Election Hub..
