Rep. Jamaal Bowman insisted the phrase “from the river to the ocean” — which means the destruction of Israel — isn’t hateful throughout a excessive stakes debate on Monday evening.
The 2-term congressman defended anti-Israel protesters who use the controversial phrase, regardless of the Anti-Defamation League’s criticism that’s requires the annihilation of the Jewish state.
“I do know some do, others don’t, I don’t,” Bowman mentioned in response to a query from an viewers member at Monday’s Information 12 debate towards Westchester County Govt George Latimer forward of June’s Democratic major.
In the meantime, Latimer provided a pointy distinction to Bowman’s temporary evaluation.
“I feel it’s hate speech as a result of I feel it’s clear that from the river to the ocean has meant particularly the eradication of the Jewish inhabitants from the land of Israel,” Latimer mentioned.
Latimer, 70, additionally mentioned some younger protesters is perhaps parroting the phrase whereas not understanding the that means behind it.
“What’s behind the advertising marketing campaign that’s being superior is to attempt to delegitimize Israel and that there be a free Palestine is a hopeful signal, but it surely has to just accept the truth that there may be an Israel there as nicely,” he mentioned.
Bowman, 48, made clear earlier within the debate he believes in Israel’s proper to exist and desires a two-state resolution. Latimer has additionally mentioned he agrees with a two-station resolution.
The 2 sparred for practically 60 minutes in the course of the native tv debate, throughout which sparks flew at instances.
The battle between Israel and Hamas has been a focus of the race between Bowman, a former educator who lives in Yonkers, and Latimer, who has served in a number of completely different elected places of work and lives in Rye.
Bowman — a vocal critic of Israel — referred to as for a everlasting cease-fire following the atrocities of Oct. 7, whereas constantly slamming Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
He’s additionally confronted warmth after calling Israel an apartheid state and questioning experiences of rape Hamas carried about towards Israelis in the course of the terrorist assault.
Latimer, who has voiced stronger assist for Israel, has acquired appreciable monetary assist from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee or higher generally known as AIPAC, which Bowman criticized him over on Monday.
“You’re the primary recipient of AIPAC cash within the nation,” Bowman mentioned, with Latimer reducing in, “And why do you suppose that’s?”
He then claimed AIPAC is bankrolled by a “rightwing Republican who needs to destroy our democracy.”
At one level, Bowman additionally accused Latimer of portraying him because the “offended black man” after Latimer criticized his governing fashion.
“You’ll be able to’t preach and scream at them on the steps of the Capitol,” a riled up Latimer mentioned. “He’s ineffective as a congressman.”
An animated Bowman then raised his arms as he took exception to Latimer’s scathing evaluate.
“The offended black man, the offended black man,” Bowman mentioned. “It’s the southern technique within the north. And so they anticipate us to be quiet about it, we’re not going to be quiet about it.”
Supply hyperlink
