Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York, embroiled in controversy over his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, faced further scathing criticism after citing reports that local Jewish leaders are staunchly opposed to his reelection.
Bowman, who is considered a member of the left-wing “Squad” in Congress, was quoted as saying by Jewish InsiderNo more burning bridges in Westchester“” refers to the suburban counties that make up most of his district and have the largest Jewish population outside New York City.
The former middle school principal is engaged in the biggest political battle of his life against Westchester County Mayor George Latimer, a more moderate Democrat, and has even lost the support of some progressives over his criticism of Israel.
According to a Jewish Insider article, Bowman asked local Westchester Jewish leaders if they had any photos of the two together when he was trying to rally support for his 2022 election.
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“Do you have a photo of us… to show the world that I am friends with Jews?[?]According to the documents reportedly seen by the media.
A Jewish leader told the outlet he had at least one photo from an event Bowman attended after pledging to support former President Trump’s Abraham Accords bill to end Middle East peace.
Bowman has since reportedly withdrawn his support for the bill, with the Jewish leader calling the whole situation “unpleasant.”
This situation and other aspects of the article have sparked outrage among Jewish activists, including Stop Anti-Semitism founder Liola Rez, who told Fox News Digital that it’s time for Bowman to “find a new job.”
“Jamaal Bowman has consistently made clear his hostility towards Israel and the Jewish people in his words and actions,” said Rez, who fled anti-Semitism as a refugee from the Soviet Union.
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“His hostility toward individuals, including constituents in his own district, because of their faith or ethnic background is sickening, and he and his bigoted views do not deserve any place in Washington.”
Bowman’s office did not respond to a request for comment on the Jewish Insider article.
Another local Jewish leader, Rabbi Evan Hoffman, recently said: New York Post He will reportedly support Latimer because Jewish voters are organizing a “Vote on Sabbath” campaign to oppose the incumbent.
“Bowman is against Israel and, more subtly, against the Jews in his own constituency,” Hoffman said.
Bowman spoke out against the BDS (Boycott and Divestment Sanctions) movement against Israel, calling it “an opportunity for nonviolent protest to hold Israel accountable,” which pro-Israel activists in turn see as anti-Semitic and an attempt to undermine Israel.
Bowman’s opponent, Latimer, has received the exact opposite reaction. of Intercept Bowman said support from AIPAC (the American Israel Public Affairs Committee) made up more than two-fifths of his fundraising total, while he accused the group of trying to “buy” the election.
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Former New York state Rep. Mondaire Jones, a progressive who represents a district across the Tappan Zee Bridge from Bowman, chose to endorse Latimer this year.
Jones’ former district, now largely held by New York Rep. Michael Lawler after redistricting, also includes Rockland County, which is home to a large Hasidic community.
“I express my support for this [of Latimer] “Congressman Bowman and I have very different views on Israel, and that’s why I need to stand up for my Jewish constituents,” Jones told The Associated Press.
But while Bowman’s supporters praise him, his critics disagree. Angela Davis Farish, a housing official with the City of New Rochelle, said: POLITICO piece After legislation was introduced that would have placed rent caps on certain families receiving government assistance.
He has also been endorsed by New York’s Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America.
The Republican candidate running against either Mr Bowman or Mr Latimer is Dr Miriam Flisser, a paediatric consultant who previously served as Scarsdale mayor.
However, the district is rated D+20 on the Cook Partisan Voting Index, suggesting that Democratic candidates will have an overwhelming advantage in the November election.
