האשימה את ישראל ברצח עם, הסתכסכה עם תומכי החרם: הפרוגרסיבית שבדרך לכבוש את ראשות עיריית לוס אנג'לס

Nithya Raman, a progressive Democrat, is on the verge of winning the mayoral race in Los Angeles, potentially unseating incumbent Karen Bass. Raman, currently a city council member, has garnered 51.1% of the vote compared to Bass's 49%, with approximately 37% of ballots yet to be counted. Experts anticipate Raman's victory, as many remaining votes are expected from younger, progressive voters who tend to support her.

Raman's political stances have sparked significant controversy, particularly her views on Israel and the war in Gaza. In an interview, she accused Israel of genocide in Gaza and described it as an apartheid state, while also acknowledging Israel's right to exist. These statements drew sharp criticism from Jewish community leaders in Los Angeles, including Rabbi Noah Farkas, who stated that accusing Israel of genocide deeply offends his organization and parts of the Jewish community. Raman responded by promising to protect Jewish residents and combat antisemitism if elected.

Her political journey has also seen shifts in her relationships with various political groups. Following the October 7th Hamas attack, she criticized the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) for an insensitive statement. The DSA, in turn, reprimanded her partly for this criticism and for accepting support from a liberal Zionist group, Democrats for Israel Los Angeles. Raman stated she would not seek support from that pro-Israel group today.

Furthermore, Raman faced pressure from the radical left regarding her stance on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The DSA considered withdrawing support, citing her insufficient backing of BDS. Raman declared that non-violent protest, legislation, and diplomatic pressure, including BDS, are the best ways to show solidarity with Gazans, though her campaign has not clarified her personal support for the movement. She has previously called BDS a legitimate form of non-violent protest.

Locally, Raman's platform focuses on the housing crisis, expanding construction, protecting renters, and addressing homelessness. She positions herself as an alternative to the city's establishment, while Bass, 73, has the backing of key Democratic figures and labor unions. If Raman wins, she will lead a city where the debate over Israel is a significant part of local politics and home to a large Israeli and Jewish population.