Progressive Democrat Apologizes For Calling Sexual Violence Against Israeli Women on Oct 7th ‘Lies’ and ‘Propaganda’
Graeme Sloan/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) apologized while on a local radio show this week for past comments calling Hamas’ use of rape and other sexual violence against Israeli women on Oct. 7th “propaganda” and “lies.”
Politico reported on Bowman’s apology in its playbook on Thursday and noted it was also the first outlet to document Bowman’s November comments calling the rape of Israeli women “lies.”
“There was propaganda used in the beginning of the siege,” Bowman told a rally in New York City, adding, “There’s still no evidence of beheaded babies or raped women. But they still keep using that lie [for] propaganda.”
When pressed by a caller into the WNYC this week about those comments, Bowmann said, “Immediately when the UN provided additional evidence, I voted to condemn the sexual violence. I apologize for my comments and now we’re continuing to do the work to fight sexual violence and domestic violence in all its forms.” Bowman made the comments just days before Tuesday’s upcoming New York primary.
The latest polls show Bowman, a progressive Democrat and member of the so-called Squad, running behind his moderate primary opponent – George Latimer. Pro-Israel groups have used the comments in attack ads in Bowman’s district, which has a large Jewish population. “Jamaal Bowman tried to erase from history what happened on Oct. 7,” accused one ad.
AIPAC digital ad in #NY16, using Bowman’s remarks calling reports of Hamas rape on Oct. 7 propaganda’:
“Jamaal Bowman tried to erase from history what happened on Oct. 7.” pic.twitter.com/cLD8Wuoegh
— Jacob N. Kornbluh (@jacobkornbluh) May 22, 2024
Bowman appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Wednesday night for a friendly interview in which he called Republicans “bullies” and condemned both Hamas and what he sees as the collective punishment of Palestinians by Israel.
