Los Angeles mayoral frontrunner Nithya Raman defended her past use of the term "genocide" to describe Israel's actions in Gaza and her appearance on streamer Hasan Piker's program during a Jewish community candidate forum on Tuesday. Raman, who is backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), faced pointed questions from hundreds of attendees regarding antisemitism, public safety, and her stance on the Israel-Gaza war ahead of the November 3 election. The forum also featured incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, who offered a contrasting perspective on the terminology used to describe the conflict.
What the Left Is Saying
Raman argued that political candidates must engage voters on the platforms where they are present, even when they disagree with the host's views. Addressing the criticism regarding her appearance on Hasan Piker's show, Raman stated, "I do believe that as an elected representative who's seeking higher office, you have to go and speak to voters." She added that it is important for officials running for office to "meet them where they're at," rejecting the suggestion that the appearance signaled an endorsement of Piker's past comments about Jews or praise for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.
Regarding the use of the word "genocide," Raman acknowledged the term is "deeply painful" and carries significant historical weight. However, she maintained her usage, stating, "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 cited "the targeting of hospitals" and "the deaths of children" as reasons she felt compelled to speak out. Additionally, Raman defended the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement as "a legitimate form of peaceful protest," while noting that Israel-related issues are not part of her municipal platform and highlighting her disagreements with DSA on other matters.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics, including StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez, argued that Raman's defense of her media appearances and language choices failed to address the concerns of the Jewish community. Rez told Fox News Digital that Raman's remarks "should alarm every Jewish voter in Los Angeles," specifically criticizing the rationale of "meeting people where they're at" as insufficient justification for appearing on Piker's program. Rez stated that the claim of genocide "is not supported by the facts," arguing that casualty figures supplied by Hamas-controlled authorities, which often do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, do not establish a deliberate campaign to destroy the Palestinian people.
The forum's moderator noted that many attendees viewed Raman's appearance on Piker's show as "deeply hurtful," citing the streamer's past remarks about Jews and praise for groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, and al-Qaeda. The questioning highlighted a divide in the race, with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass rejecting the use of the term "genocide" to describe Israel's actions in Gaza. Bass's stance contrasted with Raman's reliance on unnamed experts to justify the terminology, reflecting broader tensions within the Democratic primary over how to address antisemitism and foreign policy in local campaigns.
What the Numbers Show
The Los Angeles mayoral race is heading to a November 3 runoff between frontrunner Nithya Raman and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass. Raman's campaign has secured the endorsement of the Los Angeles chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America. The forum took place amidst a national discussion within the Democratic Party regarding candidates' ties to far-left figures like Hasan Piker, with Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed recently dismissing questions about similar ties on "Face the Nation." The event was hosted by several Jewish organizations and drew hundreds of attendees focused on issues of antisemitism, public safety, homelessness, and Israel.
The Bottom Line
The exchange at the Jewish community forum underscores the increasing significance of foreign policy and antisemitism discourse in municipal elections. With the November 3 runoff approaching, the contrasting responses from Raman and Bass on the term "genocide" and engagement with far-left media platforms may influence Jewish voters and the broader electorate. The debate highlights the challenges candidates face in balancing progressive base engagement with concerns from Jewish communities about rhetoric and alliances. Voters will decide in November which candidate's approach to these sensitive issues resonates more strongly in Los Angeles.