Full Breakdown
Nithya Raman’s Gaza “Genocide” Remarks Spark Debate at Los Angeles Jewish Mayoral Forum
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Core Event: Forum Highlights Divergent Views on Gaza and BDS
On September 29, 2026, the Skirball Cultural Center hosted a Jewish-community mayoral forum co-organized by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles, the Anti-Defamation League Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA, AJC Los Angeles and dozens of partners. City Councilmember Nithya Raman and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass answered questions from roughly 1,000 Jewish voters. Raman described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and defended the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement as peaceful protest. Bass rejected the genocide label and said she would oppose any city-level BDS legislation. The exchange drew audible gasps, boos and applause.
Background & Context
Raman’s remarks echo a March 2024 interview with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, where she answered “yes” to whether Israel had committed genocide. The comment drew criticism from the Democratic Socialists of America, which later censured her for accepting an endorsement from the Zionist group Democrats for Israel-Los Angeles. In the June 2 primary, Bass earned 34 % of the vote and Raman 29 %, forcing a runoff—the first for a sitting LA mayor since 2005.
Data & Statistics
- Polling: A UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll (Sept 15-20) gave Raman an 11-point lead, with one-third of likely voters undecided. Subsequent Raman-sponsored surveys showed leads of 4-5 points.
- Fundraising: Both campaigns have raised roughly $2.5 million in direct contributions; outside groups, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League, have spent additional millions.
- Hate-crime trend: LAPD recorded 46 anti-Jewish hate crimes from the start of the year through May 31, 2026, about 12 % higher than the previous year.
- Election timeline: The runoff is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Raman said she relies on “international experts, Israeli experts” who have used the term genocide, citing “targeting of hospitals” and “deaths of children.” Bass argued foreign-policy debates fall outside the mayor’s purview, declined to label the actions genocide, and pledged to oppose any city council effort to adopt BDS-related sanctions. Rabbi Noah Farkas, president of the Jewish Federation, called Raman’s remarks “very hurtful” and noted legal scholars find no basis for the term.
Criticism & Opposition
StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez warned that Raman’s “meeting people where they’re at” rationale does not excuse appearing on a platform that has praised Hamas and Hezbollah. Shana Meyerson, host of “The Unapologetically Jewish Podcast,” labeled Raman “an antizionist radical” and said her genocide accusations lack definition.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That is what guided me to using that term in describing what's happening in Gaza,” — Nithya Raman
- “When I think of foreign affairs, especially conflicts, my focus is on how they impact the city of L.A. And no, I don't,” — Karen Bass
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Legal scholars remain divided on the applicability of the term “genocide,” and the forum did not resolve the definitional dispute. Raman cited “experts” but did not disclose their identities or methodologies.
What’s Next
With the November 3, 2026 runoff imminent, upcoming polls will test whether Raman’s Gaza stance sways undecided voters. Both campaigns continue outreach to Jewish constituencies, and the rising hate-crime rate remains a focal point for policy proposals in the final weeks of the race.