Jamaal Bowman defends ‘from the river to the sea’ chant, Internet reminds him of House fire alarm incident

BRONX, NEW YORK: During a heated debate on Monday night, Rep Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) defended the use of the phrase "from the river to the sea," rejecting assertions that it conveys a message of hatred.

Despite the Anti-Defamation League's criticism, which contends that the phrase implies the destruction of the Jewish state of Israel, the two-term Democrat congressman maintained his support for anti-Israel protesters who employ the controversial expression, according to the New York Post.

Bowman said in answer to a question from an audience member during Monday's News 12 debate against Westchester County Executive George Latimer ahead of June's Democratic primaries, “I know some do, others don’t, I do not.”

What did his opponent in the debate say regarding Jamaal Bowman’s beliefs?

George Latimer provided a stark contrast to Bowman's clear perspective.

“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 claimed.

The 70-year-old added that some young demonstrators might be repeating the phrase without realizing what it means.

“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 contended.

During the local TV debate, Bowman emphasized his support for Israel's right to exist and a two-state solution, a stance also echoed by Latimer.

The debate, which lasted nearly 60 minutes, saw heated exchanges between the two Democrat candidates duking it out for the Empire State’s 16th Congressional District.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been a significant issue in this particular race, with Bowman, a former teacher from Yonkers, being vocal in his criticism of Israel, calling for a permanent cease-fire and condemning Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The 48-year-old has faced criticism for referring to Israel as an apartheid state and questioning reports of Hamas carrying out attacks against Israelis, including rape.

On the other hand, Latimer, who has held various elected positions and resides in Rye, has expressed stronger support for Israel.

He has received significant financial backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a point that Bowman criticized him for during the debate.

“You’re the number one recipient of AIPAC money in the country,” Bowman said, with Latimer interjecting, “And why do you think that is?”

Bowman proceeded to claim that AIPAC is bankrolled by a “rightwing Republican who wants to destroy our democracy.”

After Latimer questioned his opponent's style of governance, Bowman subsequently accused the pro-Israel candidate of depicting him as the "angry black man."

“You can’t preach and scream at them on the steps of the Capitol,” Latimer remarked, adding. “He’s ineffective as a congressman.”

Furious, Bowman then lifted his arms in protest of Latimer's critical assessment.

“The angry black man, the angry black man,” Bowman argued. “It’s the southern strategy in the north. And they expect us to be quiet about it, we’re not going to be quiet about it.”

Internet divided as Jamaal Bowman argues ‘from the river to the sea’ chant isn’t hate speech

One X user remarked, "Yeah definitely not, just wanting no Jews in that area, all of Israel isn’t hateful speech. Coming from the guy who pulled the fire alarm to open a locked door. Gimme a break."

This was a reference to the House censuring Rep Bowman last year for falsely pulling a fire alarm in a House office building, ABC New reported. A video captured the New York congressman pulling the fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building on September 30, the same day the House voted on government funding. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for falsely triggering the alarm.

Another user quipped, "Direct this dude to the closest fire alarm."

Another user asked, "This is why we can never censor hate speech. Because who gets to decide what hate speech is?"

One user claimed, "He’s right. There is no such thing as “hate speech”."

Another X user wrote, "He is right I wonder if is there any news outlet in America that is not under Zionists influence?"

Another user said, "Jamal "Fire Alarm" Bowman. What a guy."

Finally, this user tweeted, "Jamaal is 17 points behind his opponent. No wonder. He's an idiot!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.