Full Breakdown
Nithya Raman’s “Genocide” Comment Stirs Debate at Los Angeles Jewish Mayoral Forum
By Drooid · · How we work
The Forum and Raman’s Statement
At a Tuesday night mayoral forum hosted by a coalition of Jewish organizations at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nithya Raman described the war in Gaza as “genocide.” “The word genocide is a deeply painful word. I understand its historical context and the weight of that historical context for the world, not just this for the room but for the world,” Raman said.
Background: A Tight Race and Rising Antisemitism
The event took place amid a closely contested race between incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and Raman. Bass secured 34 % of the vote in the June 2 primary, while Raman earned 29 %, forcing a runoff. A Berkeley-IGS/Los Angeles Times poll conducted two weeks before the forum showed Raman ahead 39 % to 28 % with 33 % undecided.
Los Angeles has also seen a surge in anti-Jewish hate crimes. The LAPD recorded 46 incidents from the start of the year through May 31, 2026—about 12 % higher than the previous year.
Polls and Primary Results
- Primary (June 2): Bass 34 % vs. Raman 29 %
- Poll (late September): Raman 39 % vs. Bass 28 %; 33 % undecided
Both campaigns have raised roughly $2.5 million, with additional millions spent by outside groups, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League against Raman.
Official Responses
Raman defended her language, saying she was “compelled to speak out” after seeing disturbing images and noting that other experts have used the term. She linked the issue to a broader rise in antisemitism across the political spectrum.
Mayor Bass rejected the characterization, stating she does not consider the term appropriate when describing the conflict.
The forum’s hosts—Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the Skirball Cultural Center, ADL Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA, and AJC Los Angeles—opened the event with remarks from Rabbi Noah Farkas and Skirball CEO Jessie Kornberg.
Data & Statistics
- Anti-Jewish hate crimes (year-to-date): 46 incidents, +12 % YoY
- Primary vote share: Bass 34 %, Raman 29 % (June 2)
- Poll support: Raman 39 % vs. Bass 28 %; 33 % undecided
- Campaign fundraising: ~ $2.5 million each; outside spending in the millions
Why It Matters
The forum targeted Jewish voters, a demographic concerned about rising antisemitism in the city. Raman’s use of “genocide” prompted murmurs and highlighted the challenge candidates face in addressing the Israel-Gaza war without alienating Jewish constituents. The race’s generational divide—Raman leading younger voters while Bass holds more support among older voters—means the issue could influence undecided voters weighing “change” against perceived “political extremism.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree on Raman’s wording and Bass’s rejection, but there is limited reporting on the size or composition of the audience’s reaction beyond “murmurs.” No quantitative measure of audience sentiment is provided.
What’s Next
Mail-in ballots are expected in early October, with the general election slated for early November. Both campaigns will continue to court undecided voters while navigating the sensitive intersection of foreign-policy rhetoric and local electoral dynamics.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The word genocide is a deeply painful word. I understand its historical context and the weight of that historical context for the world, not just this for the room but for the world,” — Nithya Raman
- “My independence will always be paramount,” — Nithya Raman