Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman sent the following statement to DSA-LA explaining her position on BDS, which in turn was shared with DSA's National Political Committee: Over the last couple of years, I have come to believe strongly that Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza, and I have felt deeply uncomfortable with US tax dollars funding this atrocity. In November 2023, I was the first councilmember to recognize the lives lost in Palestine by adjourning a council meeting in honor of those killed in Gaza. Several months later, I called for an investigation into LAPD's violent response to the encampments and protests at USC and UCLA, noting that it is "incumbent upon the City to be transparent and accountable to Angelenos about how their safety and civil rights are being protected, and for that protection to be equally provided regardless of one's politics, identity and protected free speech." And in June 2024, I co-authored the Los Angeles ceasefire resolution to ask that "the City joins the call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional return of all hostages, and the safe and immediate passage of unhindered humanitarian aid and medical care to Gaza; and ... that the City will not tolerate any form of harmful and racist language, especially antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, and Islamophobic hate speech toward anyone; and ... that the City supports peaceful diplomacy and an end to the conflict that honors all peoples' right to dignity, safety, and justice." I believe the best way for working Angelenos to stand in solidarity with Gaza is through non-violent protest, legislative action, and diplomatic pressure, including BDS. As mayor, I will continue to protect the right of all people to engage in peaceful protests and would continue to oppose any policy or city legislation imposing penalties on the constitutional right to protest against or criticize any nation. Generations of Angelenos do not want their tax dollars to go toward endless wars when they are struggling to make rent, find housing, afford healthcare, and find stable work.