Michigan Jewish Leaders Petition El-Sayed for Commitments on Jewish Safety and Israel

A coalition of Jewish leaders in Michigan launched a petition campaign targeting Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and other candidates. They urge commitments on Jewish safety and views toward Israel. Rabbi Josh Whinston, a key leader, expressed concern over the American Jewish community feeling pressure from all sides of the political spectrum.

El-Sayed, a former Michigan health official, gained the Democratic nomination recently after a primary focused largely on his criticism of Israel and AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee). He asserts that his criticisms don’t extend to Jewish people, emphasizing his respect for Judaism and the Jewish community.

The upcoming November election will see El-Sayed face former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers. Rogers previously lost a tight race against Sen. Elissa Slotkin in 2024. While Rogers has concentrated on the general election, El-Sayed continues to rally Democratic support.

El-Sayed’s left-wing platform garnered endorsements from figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders. By contrast, Rep. Haley Stevens, his primary opponent, received backing from moderate Democrats and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Stevens also benefited from substantial financial support from pro-Israel groups, including significant outside spending funded by AIPAC.

Criticism arose when El-Sayed campaigned with controversial podcaster Hasan Piker, known for his strong opposition to Israel. El-Sayed apologized for comments made after a March attack on a synagogue, which he condemned but initially characterized as an example of “hurt people hurt people.”

The petition, representing about 40,000 Jewish individuals in Michigan, emphasizes a longstanding Jewish alliance with the Democratic Party. It calls for candidates to uphold five nonnegotiables: ensuring Jewish safety, acknowledging Jewish self-identity, supporting Jewish sovereignty in Israel, encouraging Jewish political participation, and promoting a positive vision for the Middle East.

Rabbi Josh Whinston stated he needed to address these concerns for both the Jewish community and the broader U.S. political landscape. He wants El-Sayed to help maintain a coalition between the Jewish community and the Democratic Party. The El-Sayed campaign has engaged in meetings with Jewish organizations and leaders, attended the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus Summer Simcha, and conversed with Sen. Slotkin.

El-Sayed distanced himself from Piker’s criticisms and stated that only he and his official spokespeople represent his campaign. He reiterated his commitment to Jewish safety and combating antisemitism.

Despite these efforts, Whinston feels El-Sayed’s recent statements have not sufficed. He cited concerns over rhetoric compared to historic antisemitic tropes, stressing the importance of aligning words and actions.

Rabbi Aaron Starr, head of the Michigan Board of Rabbis, acknowledged El-Sayed’s attempts to bridge differences. Starr voiced hope for further progress in fostering dialogue and understanding.

As the Michigan Senate race impacts party control in the Senate, Jewish community leaders remain undecided. They continue to evaluate both El-Sayed and Rogers. Rabbi Whinston remarked on the feelings of political homelessness among some congregants, urging involvement at the political table.