Nithya Raman Defends 'Genocide' Remarks on Israel at Jewish Forum

Los Angeles City Councilwoman Nithya Raman addressed a contentious issue at the Jewish Los Angeles Mayoral Forum Tuesday night, defending her use of the term "genocide" to describe Israel’s actions in Gaza. The remarks drew an uneasy reaction from a portion of the approximately 1,000 attendees at the Skirball Cultural Center.

"The word genocide is a deeply painful word. I understand its historical context and the weight of that historical context for the world, not just this for the room but for the world," Raman stated. She explained that she employed the term after encountering reports and images she found disturbing, including the targeting of hospitals and the deaths of children.

"I used it because other experts have used it to describe what’s happening and I used it because I felt compelled to speak out about issues that we saw, the images that are coming, the targeting of hospitals, the deaths of children," Raman said.

The forum, aimed at Jewish voters, occurred amid a rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes in Los Angeles. According to LAPD data, 46 anti-Jewish hate crimes were recorded from January 1 through May 31, 2026, an increase of approximately 12% compared to the previous year. Raman emphasized her distinction between her views on the Gaza situation and antisemitism.

"I know that antisemitism is rising across the entire country and in this city," she stated. "I believe it is coming from every side of the political spectrum, right and left." Raman also noted her immediate condemnation of the Oct. 7 attacks, stating, "I was the first in City Hall to condemn the attacks. I condemn them without reservation and I will speak up."

Raman's appearance came as she and incumbent Mayor Karen Bass are weeks away from a runoff election on November 3. The candidates appeared separately, engaging in conversations with Spectrum News anchor Alex Cohen and taking questions from the audience.

The forum was organized by Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the Skirball Cultural Center, ADL Los Angeles, Jewish Family Service LA, and AJC Los Angeles, with support from 45 community partners. Rabbi Noah Farkas and Skirball CEO Jessie Kornberg opened the event.

In the June 2 primary, Bass secured 34% of the vote, while Raman received 29%. This result marked the first time in nearly two decades that an incumbent Los Angeles mayor was forced into a runoff. A recent poll indicated Raman leading Bass 39% to 28%, with 33% of voters undecided. Raman held stronger support among younger voters, while Bass garnered more backing from voters aged 65 and older.

The same poll showed Bass with a 28% favorable rating and 63% unfavorable rating, while Raman had a 40% favorable rating and 39% unfavorable rating. Both campaigns have raised approximately $2.5 million, with outside groups also spending significant amounts, including the Los Angeles Police Protective League, which campaigned against Raman. Raman also referenced the desire for change among voters, suggesting that support for Spencer Pratt reflected "the desire for change in Los Angeles."