During a Jewish community mayoral forum on Tuesday night, Los Angeles mayoral frontrunner Nithya Raman faced intense questioning over her comments on the Israel‑Gaza conflict. Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, reiterated her description of Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and defended the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement as a legitimate form of peaceful protest.
Forum setting and audience reaction
The event, hosted by several local Jewish organizations, drew hundreds of attendees, including incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Audience members expressed deep concern that Raman’s appearance on controversial streamer Hasan Piker’s program and her language on the war were “deeply hurtful.” Critics cited Piker’s past remarks praising groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah and al‑Qaeda.
Raman’s rationale
When asked why she appeared on Piker’s show, Raman said candidates must “meet people where they’re at” and engage voters even when they disagree with some of the host’s views. She added, “I think it’s important for us as elected officials and as people running for office to go and speak to them even when you disagree with parts of those individuals… and meet them where they’re at.”
Regarding the “genocide” terminology, Raman acknowledged the word’s emotional weight but said she relied on unnamed “experts” who have used the same language. “I have used that term and I’m not an expert on these issues, and so I have looked to experts on these issues—international experts, Israeli experts—who have used that language, and that is what guided me in using that term in describing what’s happening in Gaza,” she told the audience.
Critics’ response
Stop Antisemitism founder and Executive Director Liora Rez warned Jewish voters that Raman’s remarks should be a cause for alarm, stating that “meeting people where they’re at” does not excuse appearing on a platform that has praised extremist groups. Rez also disputed Raman’s use of “genocide,” arguing that casualty figures released by Hamas‑controlled authorities do not prove a deliberate campaign to destroy the Palestinian people.
Local activist and Jewish mother of two, April Silverman, criticized Raman on social media for failing to “know her audience and read the room.” Podcast host Shana Meyerson called Raman “an antizionist radical” and labeled her a “DSA jihadi,” adding that Raman doubled down on her genocide accusations despite admitting she is not an expert.
Mayor Bass’s contrasting stance
Incumbent Mayor Karen Bass offered a sharply different view, rejecting the use of the term “genocide” when pressed on the issue. Bass emphasized that Israel‑related matters are not part of her municipal platform and focused her remarks on local concerns such as public safety, homelessness and city services.
Broader political context
Raman’s defense of the BDS movement and her appearance on Piker’s show echo similar strategies employed by other progressive candidates, including Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El‑Sayed, who has also argued that candidates must engage voters on platforms where they already are.
The controversy highlights the tension within Los Angeles’s mayoral race between progressive activists and Jewish community leaders who are wary of language they view as inflammatory. With the November 3 election approaching, both candidates are expected to continue courting diverse voter blocs while navigating the sensitive topics of foreign policy and community relations.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
