LA Mayoral Candidates Clash Over Gaza Genocide Label at Jewish Federation Forum

Key points

• Bass and Raman spoke back-to-back at the Skirball Cultural Center, both pledging to protect Jewish residents but differing on the characterization of Israel's actions.
• Raman stated she used the term 'genocide' after consulting international experts, citing the targeting of hospitals and child deaths as justification.
• Bass explicitly rejected the term, arguing that foreign conflicts should be viewed through the lens of their impact on Los Angeles, and expressed concern about community divisiveness.
• Moderator Alex Cohen questioned Raman about her interview with Hasan Piker, noting that her disagreement with Piker's antisemitic remarks was not evident during the conversation.
• Raman defended her appearance on Piker's platform as a strategy to reach younger voters who do not watch traditional news, while maintaining she opposes antisemitism.
• The forum highlighted the political stakes of the race, with Raman leading polls by 11 points but facing scrutiny over her endorsements and stance on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.

Background

This forum occurred amidst a tight mayoral race where Raman holds a significant lead over Bass, though 33% of voters remain undecided. The debate on Gaza follows a broader national and international dispute, including a recent letter signed by 6,000 scholars rejecting the genocide charge and ongoing International Court of Justice proceedings. Raman’s position contrasts with Bass’s more cautious approach, reflecting wider divisions in the Democratic primary and general election landscape.

Why it matters

The disagreement over the term 'genocide' serves as a proxy for broader cultural and political divisions within Los Angeles, particularly regarding the intersection of local safety, foreign policy, and civil rights. For Bass, avoiding the term is a strategy to maintain unity and focus on local impact; for Raman, it is a moral imperative based on international legal standards. This clash influences voter alignment, especially among younger demographics and Jewish communities, potentially determining the outcome of the November runoff.

What to watch

The candidates will likely continue to address these issues in upcoming debates and campaigns as the November runoff approaches. Bass may continue to emphasize local safety and unity, while Raman is expected to defend her progressive stances and outreach strategies. The outcome of the race will hinge on how undecided voters, who make up a significant portion of the electorate, respond to these polarizing positions on foreign policy and civil rights.