Tensions Rise Among NY Jewish Dems Over Brad Lander’s Fundraiser with Rep. Jamaal Bowman

Tensions Rise Among NY Jewish Dems Over Brad Lander’s Fundraiser with Rep. Jamaal Bowman

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In what is becoming a divisive issue within the Democratic Party in New York, Jewish Democrats have sharply criticized NYC Comptroller Brad Lander for participating in a fundraiser with Congressman Jamaal Bowman. According to a recently published report in the New York Post, the event, hosted at the Manhattan residence of a Columbia professor, has stoked the fires of an ongoing debate over Israel and its policies.

The fundraiser, attended by both Comptroller Lander and Rep. Bowman, has drawn ire from several Jewish Democrats, including Councilman Kalman Yeger of Brooklyn. As was reported by the Post, Yeger, representing a district with a significant pro-Israel Jewish population, labeled Bowman as a “vile anti-Semite” due to his past remarks and positions regarding Israel. The Post report added that Yeger expressed profound disappointment in Lander’s decision to align with Bowman, stating that it was “sick and hateful” and a move to secure a “checkmark on his woke card.”

Rep. Jamaal Bowman has been a controversial figure among pro-Israel Democrats due to his critical stance on Israel. Recently, he described Israel as an “apartheid” state and dismissed reports of atrocities during Hamas’ October terror attacks as “lies” and “propaganda,” as was indicated in the Post report. These statements have further fueled accusations of anti-Semitism and deepened the rift within certain segments of the Democratic Party. Furthermore, the report in the Post said that Bowman’s condemnation of the mass arrests at Columbia University, where he advocated for Palestinian liberation and broader global freedoms, has positioned him as a polarizing figure on the issue of Middle Eastern politics.

The incident has not only exposed underlying tensions within the Democratic Party but also highlighted the broader national debate over U.S. foreign policy towards Israel and Hamas. The Post also noted that for politicians like Brad Lander, association with figures like Bowman can have significant political implications, especially in areas with active and engaged Jewish communities.

The backlash from Jewish Democrats signals a potentially challenging road ahead for Lander and others who may seek to balance progressive credentials with support from traditionally pro-Israel constituencies. The controversy also calls attention to the challenges Democratic leaders face in addressing the diverse and sometimes conflicting views within their base on sensitive international issues.

Michael Nussbaum, the former president of the Queens Jewish Community Council, expressed a sentiment that is gaining traction among many pro-Israel advocates, stating that “Lander has crossed a red line” by aligning himself with Bowman, as was pointed out in the Post report. Hank Sheinkopf, a respected Orthodox Jew, ordained rabbi, and seasoned political consultant, also voiced stern disapproval. He spoke to the Post about a particularly contentious point concerning Bowman’s past actions, notably his decision to honor convicted cop-killer Joanne Chesimard during his tenure as a middle school principal, which Bowman continues to defend. The Post reported that according to Sheinkopf, this positions Lander as a “cop-hater and a Jew-hater,” despite Lander being Jewish himself.

Amidst this brewing controversy, Jamaal Bowman faces significant political challenges. He is currently battling for reelection in New York’s 16th Congressional District, a race that includes southern Westchester County and parts of northeastern Bronx. His opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, supported by pro-Israel groups and well-known within the county, appears to have a substantial lead, according to the information provided in the Post report.  A recent poll suggested that Latimer holds a double-digit advantage over Bowman among likely Democratic voters in the upcoming June 25 primary, indicating that Bowman’s controversial stances may be impacting his political viability.

The discord surrounding Lander’s support for Bowman is emblematic of the broader ideological rifts within the Democratic Party, particularly on issues related to foreign policy and community relations. The information contained in the Post report also noted that for many Jewish Americans and other observers, the alignment of certain Democratic leaders with figures perceived as anti-Israel or anti-police raises profound concerns about the direction of the party and its implications for various constituencies, including Jewish communities.

Known for his progressive stances and as a member of the “Squad,” Bowman’s actions and affiliations are drawing intense scrutiny and debate.

Bowman, a key figure in the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, enjoys the backing of high-profile progressives, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and endorsements from influential groups such as the Working Families Party, as was explained in the Post report.

Amidst his progressive advocacy, Bowman has faced severe criticism for his conduct in a highly publicized incident last year, where he pulled a fire alarm in a Capitol office building. This act was an attempt to delay a crucial vote intended to avert a government shutdown. Noted in the Post report was that the consequences of this action were significant: Bowman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count related to the incident, highlighting a moment of controversy that has raised questions about his judgment and methods of protest.

Following this incident, the Republican-led House of Representatives censured Bowman, marking a formal expression of disapproval that adds a layer of controversy to his record. The Post report suggested that this censure is particularly notable as it reflects not only on his personal actions but also potentially affects his reputation and effectiveness in Congress.

His opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, appears to be gaining traction, supported by pro-Israel groups and leveraging Bowman’s controversies to consolidate a substantial lead among likely Democratic voters, according to the Post report. The primary contest is shaping up to be a significant battle, with Bowman’s progressive credentials being tested against broader electorate concerns and the fallout from his past actions.