To the Editor:
We are writing as Hopewell Valley residents to express our strong support for Dr. Adam Hamawy in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
At a recent candidate forum in Hopewell Valley, Dr. Hamawy stood out in a crowded field. He was the only candidate who used the word “genocide” to describe the situation in Gaza—a choice that reflected both moral clarity and the courage to speak plainly. He has also made clear that he will not support additional U.S. funding to arm Israel under current conditions. At a time when many politicians hedge, his willingness to take a principled stand matters.
Dr. Hamawy’s life story speaks just as powerfully. The son of hardworking immigrants, he grew up in Old Bridge and could not afford Rutgers tuition, so he joined the National Guard to pay his way. In the aftermath of September 11 attacks, he served as a first responder, using his medical skills to help at the scene. He went on to become a field surgeon in the U.S. Army, serving in combat zones and helping to save the life of Senator Tammy Duckworth. Today, as a Princeton-area physician, he continues to volunteer his medical expertise in war-torn regions—including Haiti, Bosnia, Syria, Sudan, and Gaza—often using his own resources to do so.
He is not a career politician, and it shows. In person, he is warm, genuine, and deeply grounded in the experiences of the people he hopes to represent. He has lived in this district his entire life, and he understands both its challenges and its values. His policy positions—including support for Medicare for All and a Green New Deal, and opposition to endless war—reflect a consistent commitment to putting people first.
As we look to fill the seat of Bonnie Watson Coleman, we need a leader who is not only experienced, but also empathetic, courageous, and willing to stand up for what is right—even when it is difficult. In these uncertain times for our democracy, Adam Hamawy is that leader.
Sincerely,
Betsy Keller, Ameen Ghannam, Shirin Stave-Matias, and Sonya Cotton
