NJ-12 candidate Adam Hamawy decries antisemitism amid scrutiny of his Israel views

Adam Hamawy, a Democratic candidate vying for a congressional seat in New Jersey's 12th district, has forcefully denounced antisemitism and accusations of dual loyalty, just days before the primary election. Hamawy, a plastic surgeon who previously served as a trauma surgeon in Gaza, is running on a platform critical of Israel and has faced intense scrutiny over his views and past associations.

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As a Muslim, I understand what it feels like to face bigotry, to feel unsafe in your community and to have your loyalty to this country questioned. In this country, we have seen recent attacks at both synagogues and mosques. I see our safety as intertwined.

In a statement, Hamawy, who is Muslim, drew parallels between his own experiences with bigotry and the concerns of Jewish communities. "As a Muslim, I understand what it feels like to face bigotry, to feel unsafe in your community and to have your loyalty to this country questioned," he said. He emphasized the interconnectedness of safety for both Muslim and Jewish communities, stating, "I see our safety as intertwined." Hamawy described antisemitism as "abhorrent" and expressed deep concern over its rise.

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I find antisemitism abhorrent and that I am deeply worried about its continued rise.

Hamawy has distinguished himself in the crowded primary with his staunchly anti-Israel stance, advocating for an end to military aid to Israel and a complete arms embargo against the country. He also supports the right of return for Palestinian refugees. His campaign has gained traction, reportedly surging to the top of a recent poll following significant spending by pro-Palestinian super PACs.

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We are seeing an epidemic of hatred in this country against religious and ethnic minorities, and it must stop.

Beyond his policy positions, Hamawy has also faced questions regarding his past connections in the early 1990s to Omar Abdel-Rahman, the "Blind Sheikh" convicted in connection with the 1995 World Trade Center bombing. A spokesperson for Hamawy dismissed these questions as "gross and bigoted." Despite the controversies, Hamawy expressed hope for connecting with Jewish constituents on shared values such as peace, justice, and safety, stating his door would "always be open."

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I hope we can still connect on shared values and goals, including peace, justice, safety, and dignity. He added that his door “will always be open.”