Socialist group criticizes US congressman for Israel journey

A outstanding socialist group is at odds with a Democratic congressman for visiting Israel. 

Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York visited Israel and the West Financial institution this month as a part of a visit organized by the foyer group J Street, which describes itself as “pro-Israel, pro-peace.” Bowman is a member of the self-dubbed “squad” of progressives in Congress, who’re relatively critical of Israel. In February, Bowman wrote a letter to the Israeli consulate in New York relating to the comparatively gradual COVID-19 vaccine rollout within the Palestinian Territories vis-a-vis Israel. 

Bowman traveled with a small group of different Democrats in Congress. On Nov. 10, he met with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, who described the conversation as “nice.” The identical day, he met with Palestinian kids within the West Financial institution metropolis of Hebron. He criticized Israel’s occupation of the territory afterward.  

“After I requested about their desires, their reply was easy: freedom,” Bowman tweeted in regards to the kids. “The occupation should finish.”

Democratic Socialists of America released a statement on Nov. 16 about Bowman’s journey to Israel. The group stated that it “unapologetically stands in solidarity with the Palestinian individuals of their ongoing wrestle for liberation.” The group additionally reiterated its help for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions motion, which calls for a variety of boycotts towards Israel, together with a journey boycott.

Democratic Socialists of America added that they acquired letters from many chapters and members throughout the nation on the problem. Some Democratic Socialists of America chapters have been extra direct with their criticism. The Las Vegas chapter wrote on Nov. 13, “It’s time that we maintain Consultant Jamaal Bowman accountable” for the journey. 

A spokesperson for Bowman declined to remark at the moment on the letter. Democratic Socialists of America stated they’ll meet with Bowman quickly. 

Bowman was endorsed by Democratic Socialists of America in 2020, when he defeated longtime Rep. Eliot Engel within the Democratic major. This isn’t the primary time members of the group have criticized him for his report on Israel, nevertheless. Final month, a Wisconsin Democratic Socialists of America chapter demanded they “expel” Bowman after he voted in favor of extra funding for Israel’s Iron Dome, which is an air protection system that protects Israel from rocket hearth. 

The Wisconsin chapter additionally took situation with Bowman issuing condolences upon the death of Colin Powell, who was secretary of state in the course of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. 

Solidarity with Palestine and opposition to Israel is a trigger célèbre for a lot of on the political left all over the world, including in the US.