Los Angeles voters witnessed a spirited mayoral forum Tuesday night at the Skirball Cultural Center, co‑hosted by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles. Councilwoman Nithya Raman, representing the city’s 4th District and challenging incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, took the stage alongside Spectrum News anchor Alex Cohen.
Raman’s remarks on Israel‑Hamas war
Raman was immediately pressed about comments she made in a spring interview with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, in which she answered “yes” to whether Israel had committed genocide. She reiterated that she believes Israel has a right to exist and that she stands with the Jewish community, emphasizing the need for a city where residents can worship freely and feel safe.
“No matter what your feelings are about foreign‑policy issues, I’m running for mayor to be mayor of this city,” Raman said. “My goal is to make sure Angelenos are safe, and that this city is a place where you can feel free to express those views, worship as you wish, and be visibly Jewish without fear.”
Raman also noted that she co‑authored a 2024 resolution calling for a ceasefire, though the measure never reached a council vote. She defended appearing on Piker’s program, arguing that elected officials must engage voters wherever they are, even on platforms with differing viewpoints.
Bass’s response and safety plan
Mayor Bass countered Raman’s use of the term “genocide,” calling it inappropriate to describe Israel’s actions. She affirmed she would not support any policy to divest from Israeli‑based companies or firms with ties to Israel.
“When I think of foreign affairs, especially conflicts, my focus is on how they impact the city of Los Angeles,” Bass said. “My job is to keep things safe, and I think there is a lot of divisiveness that happens…”
Both candidates agreed that violence against the Jewish community must be addressed. Bass highlighted her administration’s creation of a Jewish Community Safety Working Group, collaboration with the city’s Interfaith Council, and increased police patrols during Jewish holidays. She also referenced California’s Safe Worship Zone Act (AB 2664), signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, noting the city will develop a plan to implement and monitor its effectiveness.
Broader campaign issues
Beyond public safety, the forum touched on housing, homelessness, and preparations for the 2028 Olympics. Raman and Bass each outlined their approaches to affordable‑housing development and support for the city’s Olympic legacy projects.
The discussion underscored the divergent philosophies of the two candidates: Raman’s progressive platform emphasizes broader social‑justice initiatives, while Bass leans on proven municipal experience and a focus on law‑and‑order measures to protect vulnerable communities.
Voters will continue to hear from both candidates as the mayoral race heads toward the November election, with further debates and community meetings scheduled across the city.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
