New York “Squad” Rep. Jamaal Bowman is being accused of mendacity about his positions on Israel — publicly suggesting one factor after which allegedly flopping whereas privately groveling to a radical socialist group.
Bowman — who’s within the struggle of his political life towards Democratic Get together challenger George Latimer — beforehand publicly condemned a heinous anti-Israel protest supported by the Democratic Socialists of America “within the strongest potential phrases.’’
He seized on the second to crow that he had let his DSA membership lapse after a earlier falling out with the group for visiting Israel and voting for protection funding to the nation
Then Bowman instructed DSA members throughout a Might 26 endorsement interview, “I’m nonetheless a member. … I didn’t let my dues lapse,” the New York Instances reported Tuesday.
The 2-term incumbent additionally has by no means publicly said that he helps the controversial Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions motion, which pro-Israel activists declare is antisemitic by making an attempt to economically hurt the Jewish state to advance the pursuits of Palestinians.
But in the course of the DSA endorsement interview, Bowman mentioned he “personally” backs the BDS motion however simply has not gone public along with his assist due to the “giant Jewish inhabitants, giant Zionist inhabitants, giant pro-Israel inhabitants, giant AIPAC inhabitants” in his sixteenth Congressional district.
The pol, whose district covers most of Westchester County and the north Bronx, indicated he needs to go public “in some unspecified time in the future” to stimulate dialogue to additional “peace and justice and security and humanity for all folks.”
“BDS. is a nonviolent protest alternative to carry Israel accountable,” Bowman mentioned in the course of the interview, the Instances reported.
“And I believe Israel must be held accountable. And so I’m prepared, keen and in a position to collaborate with you all to determine what’s one of the best ways to try this.”
The DSA backs the BDS marketing campaign towards Israel.
Bowman additionally mentioned he now opposes Iron Dome protection funding for Israel, which he beforehand voted for.
He mentioned he initially voted for Iron Dome funding to indicate his constituents he wasn’t towards the Jewish folks.
“I didn’t need my ‘no’ vote to be misinterpreted as ‘I need Jews to be killed,’” he instructed DSA members.
However he now blames Israel for committing “genocide” in Gaza in its response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault on the Jewish State.
“There’s no manner I may assist any of that, as a result of there’s a genocide occurring in Gaza,” he instructed the socialists.
The congressman faces a formidable Democratic main problem from Westchester County Govt Latimer, who has the backing of pro-Israel advocates.
Latimer opposes BDS and backs Iron Dome funding.
A Emerson School/Pix 11/The Hill survey launched Tuesday reveals Latimer with a 17 level lead over Bowman — 48% to 31% with the remaining 21% undecided.
Latimer backers known as Bowman a craven liar in a determined bid to get re-elected.
“That Congressman Bowman admits to having lied to get re-elected is a tragic commentary on his character. His hostility to the reality is barely matched by his hostility towards his personal constituents — all of them — and President Biden,” mentioned Democratic Majority for Israel Chairman Mark Mellman.
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