Los Angeles mayoral candidates City Councilmember Nithya Raman and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass offered opposing views on the use of the word 'genocide' to describe the war in Gaza during a Jewish community forum on Tuesday. The exchange highlighted divisions over Israel’s military actions and domestic policy ahead of the November 3 runoff election.
Raman defends 'genocide' label; Bass rejects term
At the Jewish Los Angeles Mayoral Forum hosted by Jewish Federation Los Angeles, Raman stated she used the term 'genocide' after consulting international experts, including some Israelis, to describe the conflict in Gaza. She cited 'the targeting of hospitals and the deaths of children' as reasons for her stance, acknowledging the term’s historical weight while asserting it was necessary to address what she described as visible atrocities. Raman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has previously faced criticism for her support from groups critical of Israel and her past interview with leftist commentator Hasan Piker.
Bass, in contrast, rejected the term 'genocide' as inappropriate. She emphasized her focus on domestic safety and city governance, stating, 'When I think of foreign affairs, especially conflicts, my focus is on how they impact the city of L.A.' Bass, who attended schools with many Jewish students whose families survived the Holocaust, framed her response around local priorities rather than international disputes.
Forum addresses antisemitism, homelessness alongside Gaza debate
The forum, held at the Skirball Cultural Center, also covered issues such as antisemitism, homelessness, disaster preparedness, and the city’s social safety net. Both candidates reaffirmed their commitment to protecting L.A.’s Jewish residents, though their approaches to the Gaza conflict diverged sharply. Raman’s use of the term 'genocide' drew audible reactions from the audience, while Bass’s refusal to adopt the term underscored her emphasis on pragmatic governance.
The event occurred amid a poll showing Raman leading Bass by 11 points in the race, with one-third of voters still undecided five weeks before the election. Mail-in ballots are scheduled to be distributed this week, with the runoff set for November 3. The candidates advanced to the general election after California’s 'jungle primary' system, where the top two vote-getters from any party compete regardless of political affiliation.
Background: Context of the Gaza conflict and candidates’ stances
Israel has denied allegations of genocide, asserting that its military operations in Gaza target Hamas militants and not civilians. The International Court of Justice has not ruled on the merits of the genocide claim, though it has called for Israel to prevent genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza. Raman’s invocation of the term aligns with statements from some human rights organizations and scholars, while Bass’s rejection reflects a broader political caution in addressing international conflicts through local electoral rhetoric.
The forum’s focus on Jewish community concerns reflects L.A.’s status as home to the second-largest Jewish population in the U.S., where issues of antisemitism and Israel’s policies carry significant weight. Both candidates have faced scrutiny over their positions, with Raman’s progressive allies and Bass’s establishment ties shaping their respective narratives in the race.