An unprecedented “Vote Shabbat” marketing campaign is underway to provoke Jews in Westchester County to assist vote out lefty anti-Israel “Squad” Rep. Jamaal Bowman and elect moderate County Executive George Latimer within the June 25 sixteenth District Democratic main.
The identify of the initiative refers to the truth that early voting begins Saturday, through the Jewish Sabbath — or in Hebrew, “Shabbat.”
Of the Westchester Democrats who’ve already requested early mail-in ballots, 40% are Jewish voters, a share that far outstrips their proportion of the voters, in keeping with Educate New York Coalition Founder and CEO Maury Litwack.
“It is a second in time for the Jewish group,” Litwack instructed The Publish, citing latest cases of public antisemitism throughout New York and the US.
“The request for mail ballots reveals excessive curiosity within the race,” he added. “Persons are itching to vote, excited to vote. They’re not simply placing it of their calendar to vote. They’re voting and so they’re telling their mates to vote.”
The marketing campaign, organized by the Jewish Orthodox Union with leaders of three dozen native synagogues, is formally non-partisan, however Litwak stated native Jewish voters “don’t really feel their voices are being heard” by elected officers — a transparent dig at Bowman, whose sixteenth District covers a lot of Westchester and parts of the northern Bronx.
“There’s a sense amongst Jewish voters that they’re not being represented and so they wish to be heard on the poll field,” he famous.
Rabbi Evan Hoffman, previous president of the Westchester Board of Rabbis and head of the Anshe Sholom synagogue in New Rochelle, is a key determine within the voter mobilization effort.
“I’ll be voting for George Latimer,” stated Hoffman, including that “100%” of individuals in his orbit will do the identical.
“Bowman is against Israel and, extra subtly, to the Jews in his personal district,” the rabbi stated.
Bowman, who polls show to be trailing Latimer by double-digits, has outraged Israel supporters and Jewish activists for his statements relating to the US ally and its battle towards Hamas terrorists within the Gaza Strip.
The 2-term incumbent, 48, has been endorsed by the anti-Israel Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), which helps the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) motion towards the Jewish state, a drive many pro-Israel activists deem antisemitic.
Throughout his Could 26 endorsement interview with DSA, Bowman stated he personally supports the BDS movement, clashing along with his public place.
“BDS is a nonviolent protest alternative to carry Israel accountable,” Bowman stated through the interview, according to excerpts reported by the New York Times.
“And I feel Israel must be held accountable,” the congressman added. “And so I’m prepared, prepared and capable of collaborate with you all to determine what’s the easiest way to do this.”
Bowman additionally stated he now opposes US funding of Israel’s Iron Dome air protection system, for which he voted months after taking workplace in 2021.
He stated he initially voted for the funding to indicate his constituents he wasn’t towards the Jewish individuals, telling DSA members: “I didn’t need my ‘no’ vote to be misinterpreted as ‘I need Jews to be killed.’”
However the Democrat now says Israel is committing “genocide” in Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, assault which killed round 1,200 individuals — together with 33 People.
“There’s no manner I may assist any of that, as a result of there’s a genocide occurring in Gaza,” Bowman instructed the socialists.
Throughout a latest debate towards Latimer, Bowman argued that the phrase “From the river to the sea” — which is mostly interpreted as a name to eradicate Israel and its individuals — wasn’t hateful.
Latimer countered that the phrase is usually understood as antisemitic and genocidal.
Bowman was also captured on video final November calling Israel an “apartheid” state and angrily claiming reviews of rapes and youngster murders through the Oct. 7 assault have been a “lie.”
He later walked again the intercourse abuse remark after being criticized for mouthing Hamas propaganda.
The Bowman marketing campaign didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.
