Jewish Democrats Consider Supporting GOP Over Anti-Israel Democratic Candidate

Several Jewish Democrats in Michigan are contemplating voting for Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers if Abdul El-Sayed secures the Democratic nomination. This consideration arises as El-Sayed, known for his critical stance on Israel, potentially becomes the Democratic nominee for the Michigan Senate seat.

Prominent Jewish donors have expressed their intentions to support Rogers, viewing him as a suitable alternative should El-Sayed win the primary. Dennis Bernard, the national chair of government relations at Jewish Federations of North America, highlighted that many long-term Democratic fundraisers are worried about the direction of the party. He stated they have shown willingness to support Rogers financially and with their votes if necessary.

There are leaders in our Jewish community who are longtime, lifelong Democrats and Democratic fundraisers, who are very concerned with where their party’s going, Bernard said. And if this is the case, they’ve made it clear, both financially and with their vote, that they would support Mike Rogers in the event El-Sayed wins the primary.

Former commercial mortgage banker Neil Gorosh shared similar sentiments. Although he would not fundraise for Rogers, he confirmed he would vote for him over El-Sayed. Gorosh mentioned he would encourage like-minded friends to do the same, providing them with reasons for his choice.

Some Jewish Democrats are concentrating on supporting El-Sayed’s primary challenger, Rep. Haley Stevens, citing her past backing of Israel’s right to exist. An anonymous leader emphasized the importance of voting for Stevens to preserve the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Shimon Levy, an Israeli-American entrepreneur, expressed distrust towards El-Sayed. He voiced strong opposition to El-Sayed’s influence, accusing him of putting the Jewish community in danger with his rhetoric.

El-Sayed has done nothing but put Jews at risk and in danger, and through his words has been so poisonous and has ostracized and villainized, single-handedly, the Jews of Southeast Michigan, Levy noted.

The concerns over El-Sayed stem from accusations of antisemitism. His previous comments have sparked significant backlash, including comparisons of Israel to Hamas and his controversial partnerships with figures like Hasan Piker.

El-Sayed’s campaign has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding these issues.