Bass and Raman split on Gaza and the term genocide during Jewish Federation forum

Key Points:

• Los Angeles mayoral candidates Nithya Raman and Karen Bass expressed opposing views on the Gaza conflict, with Raman labeling Israel's actions as genocide and Bass rejecting the term as inappropriate.
• Both candidates emphasized their commitment to protecting L.A.’s Jewish community, but Raman faced scrutiny over her interview with anti-Israel streamer Hasan Piker and her association with the Democratic Socialists of America, which supports BDS.
• Raman defended her use of "genocide" by citing international experts and condemning attacks on hospitals and children in Gaza, while Bass focused on maintaining city safety and avoiding divisiveness.
• The forum highlighted differing stances on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, with Raman supporting the right to peaceful protest and Bass opposing any BDS legislation at City Hall.
• The Gaza conflict, sparked by a Hamas attack in 2023 and Israel's subsequent counteroffensive, has resulted in significant casualties and global debate over accusations of genocide, which Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu denies.