Jamaal Bowman's Trip to Israel Could Cost Him His Reelection
A Trip to Israel Changed Jamaal Bowman's World View
And Could Cost Him His Reelection
During a 2021 visit to the West Bank, then-New York City Council Member Jamaal Bowman had an epiphany. He had long been a supporter of Israel, but after seeing the conditions in which Palestinians lived, he began to question his views. He came to believe that Israel was an apartheid state that oppressed Palestinians. He also came to believe that the United States should not be providing military aid to Israel.
Bowman's views on Israel have put him at odds with many in his party, including President Joe Biden. Biden is a strong supporter of Israel and has said that he will not cut off military aid to the country. Bowman's views have also alienated some of his constituents, who are largely Jewish and supportive of Israel.
Bowman is facing a tough reelection challenge from former State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. Biaggi is a progressive Democrat who is also critical of Israel, but she has not gone as far as Bowman in her criticism. Biaggi has said that she believes in a two-state solution and that she supports the right of both Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.
The race between Bowman and Biaggi is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country. It will be a test of whether Bowman's views on Israel are a liability or an asset.
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