Raman Defends Genocide Label at Los Angeles Mayoral Forum

Nithya Raman defended describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide during a Los Angeles mayoral forum focused on Jewish Angelenos, while Mayor Karen Bass said she would not use that term. The candidates also differed over boycotts of Israeli companies and Raman’s appearance on streamer Hasan Piker’s program, as they campaign ahead of the November 3 runoff. Raman, a Los Angeles City Council member challenging Bass, said she used the word genocide because experts had used it and because she felt compelled to speak about reports and images from Gaza, including the targeting of hospitals and deaths of children. She acknowledged the term’s painful historical weight. Raman has also said she condemned Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks without reservation and that Israel has a right to exist. Asked about appearing on Piker’s program, Raman said candidates seeking higher office should speak to voters on platforms they use, including those whose hosts they may disagree with. She said she had disagreed with some of Piker’s statements and pushed back on questions about Israel’s existence.