"One stark contrast between myself and Congressman Engel is I've been critical of occupation, annexation and detaining Palestinian children – where Congressman Engel has not. And it doesn't mean that, you know, I'm not pro-Israel," Bowman told City&State New York.However, Bowman added that he is "in full support of Israel," but is "also in full support of the human rights of the Palestinian people."During his campaign, Bowman garnered endorsements from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, both of whom have been openly critical of Israel.Engel, Bowman's predecessor, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee was an outspoken Israel advocate.
In the interview with City&State New York, the Democratic nominee also discussed his views about poverty and inequality at a time his country is experiencing one of its worst economic crises in years.