New York Democratic primary debate zeroes in on Israel-Hamas war, immigration

Sparks flew between two New York Democrats during a congressional primary debate Monday that focused on Israel’s war with Hamas.

Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a member of the progressive Squad, and Westchester County Executive George Latimer, who is endorsed by several pro-Israel super PACs, jabbed each other to win voters in New York’s 16th Congressional District.

The June 25 primary is expected to determine the kind of Democratic lawmaker whom voters in the district, composed of the north Bronx and southern Westchester County, want to send to Washington.

The election is being closely watched because key national issues, including the Israel-Hamas war and the border crisis, are big in this district.

Mr. Bowman, who is in his second term, accused Mr. Latimer of being bought by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

“You are the number one recipient of AIPAC money in the country. AIPAC is funded by right-wing Republicans who want to destroy our democracy,” Mr. Bowman said. “Right-wing Republicans like Paul Singer and Bernie Marcus, who are attacking abortion rights across the country.”

Mr. Latimer shot back that AIPAC supports a slew of New York congressional Democratic lawmakers, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Grace Meng, Ritchie Torres and Adriano Espaillat, and most of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Mr. Latimer noted that the 16th district has a high concentration of Jewish residents and that he supports a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

“Hamas on October 7 … viciously murdered people and created a horrible situation in which they took hostages,” he said.  “Any future for peace begins with the release of the hostages or the remains of the hostages.”

Mr. Bowman responded that he, too, supports a two-state solution and believes in Israel’s right to exist.

“I align myself with Senator Chuck Schumer. [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu should not be the leader of Israel at this time,” he said. “He is causing more harm to Israel than good, and what’s happening in Gaza, it’s been taken to court, because it may come up as being proof of war crimes against the people of Gaza.”

An audience member in the White Plains, New York, venue brought up college campus protests related to the Israel-Hamas war, and the candidates were asked if the phrase “from the river to the sea” is hate speech about eradicating the state of Israel.

“I know some do. Others don’t. I do not,” Mr. Bowman said.

“I think it is hate speech,” Mr. Latimer replied.

The district has become a gateway for many illegal immigrants who claim asylum. Mr. Bowman called for more FEMA and humanitarian support, as well as more judges, social workers and lawyers “to help process those who are coming in seeking asylum.”

Mr. Latimer suggested an asylum court be established in Westchester County’s U.S. District Court to help adjudicate cases and “move people through because you can’t have people living in a hotel room for two years. That’s insane.”

Mr. Latimer, a veteran lawmaker who previously served in the New York Legislature, bungled Ms. Meng’s name by confusing her with fellow New York Rep. Gregory Meeks, to which Mr. Bowman seized the opportunity to correct him.

However, Mr. Latimer attacked Mr. Bowman a minute later for his lack of local knowledge, specifically for not knowing the names of the mayors of Rye Brook, Harrison and Irvington.