One of Israel’s most implacable foes in Congress — Rep. Jamaal Bowman of the Bronx and Westchester — slightly reversed his view that not only was Israel to blame for Oct. 7 but that the terrible things reported to have happened on that day never happened.
“There was propaganda used in the beginning of the siege,” Bowman told a Nov. 17 rally of pro-Hamas protesters in Westchester. “There’s still no evidence of beheaded babies or raped women. But they still keep using that lie [for] propaganda.”
Last Thursday outside the House floor, Bowman declined to answer Politico questions, saying, “I’m focused on my votes. … I’m not talking,” he said.
In a written statement later, Bowman said, “The UN confirmed that Hamas committed rape and sexual violence, a reprehensible fact that I condemn entirely. I also voted yes on Resolution 966, which officially condemns the rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas. … I always stand against sexual violence in all forms and stand for peace for all.”
In the months since Bowman’s November remarks, evidence of the Oct. 7 rapes has grown substantially, and even many anti-Israel organizations and media have conceded they took place.
Bowman also has come under fire recently for past comments advancing conspiracy theories about the Sept. 11 attacks.