Jamaal Bowman's Trip to Israel May Cost Him His Reelection
A Trip to Israel Changed Jamaal Bowman's World View
But it could cost him his reelection
During a 2021 visit to the West Bank, then-New York Representative Jamaal Bowman appeared ready to make a hard pivot on his views on Israel.
Bowman, who got to Washington four years ago by winning a primary against one of Israel's then-staunchest Democratic critics, had long been a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to pressure Israel to end its occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
But after his trip to Israel, Bowman said he had a "change of heart" and now believes that BDS is "counterproductive." He also said he now supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Bowman's shift on Israel has drawn criticism from some of his progressive allies, who accuse him of selling out to the Israel lobby. But Bowman has defended his decision, saying that it was based on what he saw and heard during his trip to Israel.
Whether Bowman's change of heart will cost him his reelection remains to be seen. He is facing a primary challenge from State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, who has been critical of his support for Israel.
Conclusion
Bowman's trip to Israel was a watershed moment in his political career. It led him to change his views on Israel and could cost him his reelection. But regardless of the outcome of his race, Bowman's journey is a reminder that even the most deeply held beliefs can be changed by new experiences.
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