Los Angeles mayoral candidates to face Gaza war questions at Jewish Federation forum

A mayoral candidate forum co-hosted by the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles will feature incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman. Organizers plan to raise issues that matter to Jewish Angelenos, such as the ongoing Gaza war, antisemitism, public safety, homelessness and the city’s readiness for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Raman previously told Twitch streamer Hasan Piker that she believes Israel committed genocide, a remark Rabbi Noah Farkas described as “very hurtful” and inaccurate.

Raman responded that she values the Jewish community’s concerns and will work to keep them safe. Bass has repeatedly promised to ensure the community feels secure, though her campaign declined to comment on whether Israel’s actions constitute genocide. The discussion will also touch on Raman’s past criticism of the Democratic Socialists of America’s stance on the conflict and her endorsement by Democrats for Israel.