[NY Post] Rep. Jamaal Bowman insisted the phrase “From the river to the sea” — which implies the destruction of Israel — isn’t hateful during a high-stakes debate Monday night.The two-term congressman defended anti-Israel protesters who use the controversial phrase, despite the Anti-Defamation League’s criticism that is calls for the annihilation of the Jewish state.
“I know some do, others don’t, I do not,” Bowman (D-NY) said in response to a question from an audience member at Monday’s News 12 debate against Westchester County Executive George Latimer ahead of June’s Democratic primary.
Meanwhile, Latimer offered a sharp contrast to Bowman’s brief assessment.
“I think it is hate speech because I think it’s clear that ‘From the river to the sea’ has meant specifically the eradication of the Jewish population from the land of Israel,” Latimer said. Latimer, 70, also said some young protesters might be parroting the phrase while not understanding its meaning.
“What’s behind the marketing campaign that’s being advanced is to try to delegitimize Israel and that there be a free Palestine is a hopeful sign, but it has to accept the fact that there is an Israel there as well,” he said.
Bowman, 48, made clear earlier in the debate that he believes in Israel’s right to exist and wants a two-state solution. Latimer has also said he agrees with a two-state solution.
The two sparred for nearly 60 minutes during the local television debate, during which sparks flew at times.