FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 26, 2024
Media Contact: Sophie Ellman-Golan | sophie@jfrej.org
New York, NY — The Jewish Vote, the electoral arm of Jews for Racial & Economic Justice Action (JFREJ) responded today to AIPAC’s endorsement of Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s opponent, as well as J Street’s announcement that they will not be making an endorsement in the Democratic congressional primary for New York's 16th District. JFREJ member and NY-16 constituent Howard Horowitz commented:
“I’ve already said that our community will not be duped by AIPAC's cynical attempt to pit Jews against Jamaal. But this move from J Street today is deeply disappointing to Democratic Jews in New York's 16th district. Our community must not be divided by attempts from Republican mega-donors to harm a progressive champion in the House. We know Jamaal Bowman to be a compassionate and moral leader who has time and again shown his commitment to representing all of his constituents.”
JFREJ Political Director Alicia Singham Goodwin added, on behalf of the organization:
“Despite what statements from the DC beltway would have you believe, Jewish New Yorkers support Congressman Bowman. The reasons are simple: his track record, his compassion, and his commitment to peace – whether that's addressing gun violence at home, or devastating and ongoing war abroad.
“Unfortunately, this is yet another in a series of poor decisions that J Street has made in recent months, and one they’ll certainly regret. First, they openly supported Israel’s brutal war on Gaza. Now, they’re distancing themselves from one of the most courageous and compassionate members of Congress – one of the few members who is serious about the U.S. standing up to Netanyahu’s extremist government.
“Rep. Bowman is being targeted by a motley crew of Trump donors, opponents of public education, big real estate, and corporate Democrats determined to remain entrenched in the status quo. It’s disappointing to see J Street retreat from this fight, rather than stand up to AIPAC.
“No Democrat should accept an endorsement from AIPAC, and no one who cares about democracy should cede their voice to this disingenuous and dangerous group. The Jewish Vote is proud to back Congressman Bowman.”
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Jews For Racial & Economic Justice Action (JFREJ) is a 6,000-member grassroots organization and the home of New York’s Jewish Left. For over 30 years, JFREJ members have organized alongside our neighbors to transform New York from a playground for the wealthy few into a real democracy, free from all forms of racist violence. The Jewish Vote is JFREJ’s electoral arm.