Thread by @jacobkornbluh

#NY12 candidate forum on Jewish-related issues starting now at Temple Emanu-El.

Co-hosted by @jdforward, @NYJewishAgenda and @JCRCNY

Also streamed live on experienceemanuel.org

Follow thread for live updates 👇

.@CarolynBMaloney starts with saying, “I have repeatedly been rated first, second or third most effective member of Congress and getting things done by two different rating agencies.”

She adds: “you don’t have to be Jewish to love Israel.” #NY12

.@JerryNadler says he started his career as a proud Zionist and supporter of Israel by carrying a “pushka” for Keren Kayemet when he was 8 years old.

He repeats campaign theme that if he’s not reelected, the Jewish community will be largest community without any representation.

.@surajpatelnyc starts by citing the biblical story of Moses equipping Joshua to lead the people of Israel into the Promised Land. #NY12

Ok we are getting started: 💥

Nadler mentions all the votes Maloney has taken that he disagrees with.

He suggests that if Maloney were able to block the Iran deal in 2015, Iran would have had a nuclear bomb by now #NY12

.@surajpatelnyc calling for generational change, says that “clout in Washington can come from experience and seniority, but it can also come from the effectiveness,”

He points to Hakeem Jeffries and Ritchie Torres. #NY12

Asked about their views on @AIPAC amid heavy spending in Dem primaries

@CarolynBMaloney notes that both Nadler and her are backed by @AIPAC and hasn’t seen the kind of money they spent in other races against progressives #NY12

.@JerryNadler says AIPAC is not the problem but Citizens United. He says he disagrees with AIPAC’s support of Republicans who voted to overturn the election of Biden and their attacks against Andy Levin, but says he doesn’t want to comment on other races.

Nadler points out, “The fact is I'm endorsed by both AIPAC and J Street” to make his case that he was able to keep support for Israel in Congress strong.

Patel counters saying there’s “no daylight” between him and Nadler, Maloney on Israel and therefore AIPAC is not opposing him

Maloney who voted against Iran deal in 2015 says she supports Biden’s position on Iran but doesn’t say how she will vote if there’s a new deal — filibusters the answer

Patel says he would vote in support of a new deal.

“I trust the president and the State Department to put together a deal that is acceptable to all parties to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon by all means necessary.“

Ufffff… Maloney says that the Iran deal in 2015 didn’t prevent Iran from going nuclear.

@surajpatelnyc asks her if she thinks Iran has nukes?

“I don't know,” Maloney responds. “But there are allegations that they're very close to getting one.“

On Israel-Palestinian issue, Maloney says she supports the expansion of the Abraham Accords. She doesn’t address support for a two-state solution. #Ny12

Patel says he believes the expansion of Abraham Accords will make Israel feel secure to work towards a two state solution “and that should be negotiated by the Israelis and Palestinians directly.”

Patel adds that he believes Jerusalem is Israel’s capital.

Nadler says he opposed moving the US embassy to Jerusalem in 2108 because the admin didn’t open at the same time a Palestinian embassy in Jerusalem.

Nadler says the Abraham Accords is the only thing he congratulated Trump on. #NY12

Really fascinating to see Nadler and Maloney argue who passed more bills that went through the Senate and signed

Nadler says he has opposed BDS since 2001.

“BDS, itself, is a violation of freedom of speech,” he declares.

Nadler also takes credit for being able to stop BDS from gaining foothold in the Progressive Caucus. #NY12

Maloney says, “I think BDS is dangerous and a threat. I think it's BS.” #NY12

Patel points out that he first expressed his opposition to BDS in 2004 as a student at Stanford University “at a time when it was not very popular to do so as a student.”

Maloney on Nadler’s statement that he is the last remaining Jewish rep. in Congress: “We're very fortunate to have Senator Schumer in Congress.”

She also note: that there are Jewish candidates in NY03 and NY10.

💥 Maloney explodes at Patel for saying she was opposed to vaccines. “He's like a broken record. That's all he does. I have a record. He's a broken record.”

She claims to be “the only Congressperson in country “that has built two healthcare centers that are providing vaccines.”

.@surajpatelnyc gives a good answer refuting Nadler, Maloney suggestion he’s too young.

“I'm 38 years old, by the way. That makes me a median adult male in this country. I'm halfway through my life.. to suggest someone like me too young to be in office is, I think, is absurd.“

Surprise. Maloney is “very much opposed to term limits” for members of Congress. #NY12

.@NYCMayor is booed by the crowd when the candidates are asked to grade Eric Adams.

Patel says we just don't have enough data available yet.

Nadler gives Adams “a B minus because of demagoguery on bail reform.”

Maloney says A cuz she calls his office daily for help #NY12

And… bagel order 🥯 #NY12

Maloney: Toasted poppyseed with cream cheese

Nadler: Poppyseed bagel with lox and tomato.

Patel: “I'm a everything egg bagel, toasted with lox, tomato, onion and jalapeno cheddar cream cheese. I am a complex person.”