Dem Rep. Bowman’s Reelection in Trouble Due to Anti-Israel Stance

A New York voting activist group has started a campaign to educate voters on how to change parties, which could create problems for the district’s current congressman, Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y.

“Antisemitism is on the ballot, and we need a member of Congress who will stand up for our Jewish community,” the group known as Westchester Unites said in their mailer.

“Send a message that our community stands together,” reads another message on their website.

Bowman has faced criticism for his comments regarding Israel’s response to the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, where he said Israel was committing “mass murder” in Gaza. Additionally, Bowman has praised Norman Finklestein who said the Hamas Oct. 7 massacre “warms every fiber in my soul,” on his substack.

In response to Bowman’s comments, several local Jewish groups are pushing George Latimer, who has campaigned as a strong supporter of Israel. Latimer, the Westchester County executive, has been endorsed by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC.

Along with Westchester Unites, J Street, the liberal Jewish lobby, has withdrawn its endorsement of Bowman.

“We have been pleased to work with Congressman Bowman for over four years to promote a shared set of values and principles rooted in the pursuit of justice, equality, and peace,” said J Street’s statement, which was issued last week. “The past few months have, however, highlighted significant differences between us, in framing and approach.”

Recently, the House Ethics Committee dropped its investigation into Bowman’s pulling of a fire alarm in the Capitol Building last September.

Voters have until Feb. 14 to change their enrollment.

“You can always change it back,” Westchester Unites added near the bottom of their page.