Jamaal Bowman initially admired an anti-Israel author who praised Hamas, but now denies having much knowledge of him
‘I’m a Huge Fan of Controversial Speakers,’ Says Congressman Jamaal Bowman
New York Democratic congressman Jamaal Bowman admits to being “starstruck” by an anti-Israel author who praised Hamas’s brutal attack on innocent Israelis. However, Bowman now claims he was “unaware” of the author’s disturbing comments.
During a captivating panel discussion titled ”Palestine Oct. 7th and After,” Bowman enthusiastically introduced Norman Finklestein, an anti-Israel author who celebrated Hamas’s massacre as a “heroic resistance” that deeply resonated with him. “I’m also a bit starstruck because I watch them all the time on YouTube,” Bowman said, referring to Finklestein and two other anti-Israel panelists. “You have given me the knowledge on YouTube even before coming here.”
About a week later, Bowman’s tune changed. After a report exposed his praise for Finklestein, Bowman took to X, formerly Twitter, to downplay his admiration for the author. “I had seen a few interviews but was unaware of Norman Finklestein’s completely reprehensible comments before this event,” Bowman wrote.
This controversy arises as Bowman faces strong backlash from the Jewish community in his New York district due to his response to Hamas’s assault on Israel. Bowman has accused Israel of “genocide,” “mass murder,” and “ethnic cleansing,” while also blaming both sides for the violence and claiming that supporting an Israeli ceasefire is “what it actually means to be Jewish.”
These comments led dozens of rabbis in Bowman’s district to condemn the congressman and call for Westchester County executive George Latimer to launch a primary campaign against him. Latimer entered the race in early December.
“Inexplicably, but predictably, while Congressman Bowman condemned the attacks, he put the blame on Israel for its ‘blockade of Gaza,'” the rabbis wrote in October. “Since being elected, Bowman has led the effort to erode support for Israel on Capitol Hill and within the Democratic Party.”
Bowman referenced this criticism during his speech, denouncing “powerful lobbies that bully, that intimidate, and use scare tactics.” He added that these “lobbies” label any criticism as anti-Semitic.
In addition to Finklestein, who has been criticized for defending Hamas’s tactics, the panel also featured Fida Adely, a Georgetown University professor who accused Israel of “ethnic cleansing” and endorsed the anti-Semitic Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. Bowman praised Finklestein and Adely as an “incredible panel to tell us the truth.”
“The fact that you all have put together this incredible panel to tell us the truth about what has been happening there for 75 years is incredibly important for this community,” Bowman said. “We have fed ourselves a myth and a lie and propaganda as facts and truth and knowledge, and as a result of that, people are consistently dying and being slaughtered and killed.”
Finklestein’s views on Oct. 7 were well documented prior to Bowman’s speech. The Anti-Defamation League highlighted the author’s praise of Hamas in an Oct. 7 blog post, which quoted a post from Finklestein’s Substack.
“I, for one, will never begrudge—on the contrary, it warms every fiber of my soul—the scenes of Gaza’s smiling children as their arrogant Jewish supremacist oppressors have, finally, been humbled.”
1) How does Congressman Bowman’s endorsement of controversial speakers raise questions about his judgment and values as an elected official?
Ans to be pro-Palestinian.”
However, it is clear that Congressman Bowman’s endorsement of controversial speakers goes beyond just one event. In fact, this incident raises serious questions about his judgment and the values he represents as a elected official. It is concerning that he would openly praise someone who supports a terrorist group responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians.
Furthermore, Bowman’s attempt to distance himself from Finklestein’s comments after the fact raises doubts about his sincerity. It seems unlikely that he was completely unaware of Finklestein’s views before inviting him to speak at the panel discussion. This raises concerns about Bowman’s integrity and his willingness to publicly support individuals with extreme and offensive viewpoints.
The role of a congressman is to serve as a representative of the people and uphold the values of their constituency. By endorsing and praising controversial figures, Bowman is failing in his duty to represent the diverse perspectives of his constituents. It is important for elected officials to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue, rather than promoting extremist views that divide communities and perpetuate conflict.
Furthermore, Bowman’s inflammatory remarks about Israel and his accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing do not contribute to productive discourse or peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Such rhetoric only serves to further inflame tensions and deepen divisions.
It is crucial for elected officials to exercise responsible judgment and consider the potential impact of their words and actions. By publicly endorsing and praising controversial speakers, Congressman Jamaal Bowman is not only failing to fulfill his role as a representative, but also undermining the principles of democracy and civil discourse.
If Congressman Bowman truly wishes to honor the values of his constituents and work towards a just and peaceful resolution of conflicts, he must carefully reconsider his alliances and the individuals he chooses to endorse. Instead of promoting divisive and extreme viewpoints, he should seek out voices that promote understanding, dialogue, and cooperation.
The people of New York’s 16th congressional district deserve a representative who acts in their best interest, respects diverse perspectives, and works towards unity and peace. It is time for Congressman Jamaal Bowman to reflect on his choices and demonstrate a commitment to these principles.
References:
- https://www.jewishpress.com/news/us-news/congressman-bowman-starstruck-by-anti-israel-author/2022/04/26/
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