The key points are temporarily unavailable. You can still read the full Story below.
Main Points
Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the city’s mayoral election, according to a race projection issued by The Associated Press on Thursday. With 76% of ballots counted, Raman secured 429,450 votes, or 52.1%, while Bass received 394,796 votes, or 47.9%. Bass has conceded the race. Raman, a democratic socialist, has faced scrutiny regarding her positions on Israel. During a September 29 mayoral forum at the Skirball Cultural Center, Raman described the movement to boycott Israel as a “legitimate form of peaceful protest.” During the same event, she defended her use of the term “genocide” in reference to Israel’s actions in Gaza and her appearance on a program hosted by streamer Hasan Piker, who has faced accusations of antisemitism. In contrast, Bass rejected the characterization of Israel’s actions as “genocide” and stated her opposition to the boycott movement. Following the election results, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles and 35 other Jewish organizations and congregations issued a joint statement congratulating the mayor-elect while urging her to address concerns raised during the campaign. The groups called on Raman to “rebuild trust with Jewish Angelenos” and take “proactive steps against antisemitism.” The statement specifically cited her past rhetoric regarding Israel and her stance on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement as factors that have caused concern within the community. Rabbi Noah Farkas, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, emphasized the need for the mayor-elect to demonstrate a commitment to the community's security. “Our community cannot accept continued rhetoric that harms Jews,” Farkas said. “As mayor-elect, she has both an opportunity and a responsibility to address these issues through meaningful engagement and clear commitments.” Other reactions from the Jewish community were varied. Rabbi Pini Dunner, senior rabbi of the Young Israel of North Beverly Hills, offered a sharp critique, labeling Raman as someone who “has no consideration for the feelings of Jews when it comes to Israel.” He expressed concern that her political alignment with progressive elements would negatively impact her tenure as mayor. Conversely, Mitchell Schwartz, a veteran Democratic campaign strategist, expressed a more measured outlook. While acknowledging Raman’s use of the term “genocide,” Schwartz suggested he did not expect her to focus on foreign policy once in office. “I imagine she’ll stick to local issues,” Schwartz said. “I don’t believe she’s anti-Israel, but I do think she mouths some of the more silly things coming out of the Democratic Socialists of America.” Article source: Arutz Sheva (Hadashot / Israel National News) | Image credit: Arutz Sheva (Hadashot / Israel National News)
Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman has defeated incumbent Mayor Karen Bass in the city’s mayoral election, according to a race projection issued by The Associated Press on Thursday. With 76% of ballots counted, Raman secured 429,450 votes, or 52.1%, while Bass received 394,796 votes, or 47.9%. Bass has conceded the race. Raman, a democratic socialist, has faced scrutiny regarding her positions on Israel. During a September 29 mayoral forum at the Skirball Cultural Center, Raman described the movement to boycott Israel as a “legitimate form of peaceful protest.” During the same event, she defended her use of the term “genocide” in reference to Israel’s actions in Gaza and her appearance on a program hosted by streamer Hasan Piker, who has faced accusations of antisemitism. In contrast, Bass rejected the characterization of Israel’s actions as “genocide” and stated her opposition to the boycott movement. Following the election results, the Jewish Federation Los Angeles and 35 other Jewish organizations and congregations issued a joint statement congratulating the mayor-elect while urging her to address concerns raised during the campaign. The groups called on Raman to “rebuild trust with Jewish Angelenos” and take “proactive steps against antisemitism.” The statement specifically cited her past rhetoric regarding Israel and her stance on the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement as factors that have caused concern within the community. Rabbi Noah Farkas, president and CEO of the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, emphasized the need for the mayor-elect to demonstrate a commitment to the community’s security. “Our community cannot accept continued rhetoric that harms Jews,” Farkas said. “As mayor-elect, she has both an opportunity and a responsibility to address these issues through meaningful engagement and clear commitments.” Other reactions from the Jewish community were varied. Rabbi Pini Dunner, senior rabbi of the Young Israel of North Beverly Hills, offered a sharp critique, labeling Raman as someone who “has no consideration for the feelings of Jews when it comes to Israel.” He expressed concern that her political alignment with progressive elements would negatively impact her tenure as mayor. Conversely, Mitchell Schwartz, a veteran Democratic campaign strategist, expressed a more measured outlook. While acknowledging Raman’s use of the term “genocide,” Schwartz suggested he did not expect her to focus on foreign policy once in office. “I imagine she’ll stick to local issues,” Schwartz said. “I don’t believe she’s anti-Israel, but I do think she mouths some of the more silly things coming out of the Democratic Socialists of America.”
News Desk is the editorial publishing account for Tringlobe Media News, covering breaking news, public affairs, entertainment, community developments and regional stories across Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean and internationally.
