New York “Squad” Rep. Jamaal Bowman is being accused of lying about his positions on Israel — publicly suggesting one thing and then allegedly flopping while privately groveling to a radical socialist group.
Bowman — who is in the fight of his political life against Democratic Party challenger George Latimer — previously publicly condemned a heinous anti-Israel protest supported by the Democratic Socialists of America “in the strongest possible terms.’’
He seized on the moment to crow that he had let his DSA membership lapse after a previous falling out with the group for visiting Israel and voting for defense funding to the country
Then Bowman told DSA members during a May 26 endorsement interview, “I’m still a member. … I didn’t let my dues lapse,” the New York Times reported Tuesday.
The two-term incumbent also has never publicly stated that he supports the controversial Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, which pro-Israel activists claim is antisemitic by trying to economically harm the Jewish state to advance the interests of Palestinians.
Yet during the DSA endorsement interview, Bowman said he “personally” backs the BDS movement but just has not gone public with his support because of the “large Jewish population, large Zionist population, large pro-Israel population, large AIPAC population” in his 16th Congressional district.
The pol, whose district covers most of Westchester County and the north Bronx, indicated he wants to go public “at some point” to stimulate discussion to further “peace and justice and safety and humanity for all people.”
“BDS. is a nonviolent protest opportunity to hold Israel accountable,” Bowman said during the interview, the Times reported.
“And I think Israel needs to be held accountable. And so I’m ready, willing and able to collaborate with you all to figure out what’s the best way to do that.”
The DSA backs the BDS campaign against Israel.
Bowman also said he now opposes Iron Dome defense funding for Israel, which he previously voted for.
He said he initially voted for Iron Dome funding to show his constituents he wasn’t against the Jewish people.
“I didn’t want my ‘no’ vote to be misinterpreted as ‘I want Jews to be killed,’” he told DSA members.
But he now blames Israel for committing “genocide” in Gaza in its response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on the Jewish State.
“There’s no way I could support any of that, because there’s a genocide happening in Gaza,” he told the socialists.
The congressman faces a formidable Democratic primary challenge from Westchester County Executive Latimer, who has the backing of pro-Israel advocates.
Latimer opposes BDS and backs Iron Dome funding.
A Emerson College/Pix 11/The Hill survey released Tuesday shows Latimer with a 17 point lead over Bowman — 48% to 31% with the remaining 21% undecided.
Latimer backers called Bowman a craven liar in a desperate bid to get re-elected.
“That Congressman Bowman admits to having lied to get re-elected is a sad commentary on his character. His hostility to the truth is only matched by his hostility toward his own constituents — all of them — and President Biden,” said Democratic Majority for Israel Chairman Mark Mellman.
