A coalition of Michigan rabbis and Jewish community leaders has launched a petition urging Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed to revise his positions and rhetoric regarding Israel or risk losing support from Jewish voters in the state. The petition, announced Tuesday, reflects mounting tensions between El-Sayed and segments of Michigan’s Jewish population as the November general election approaches.
Dr. El-Sayed, who secured the Democratic nomination in a tightly contested primary against a pro-Israel candidate, has been a vocal critic of Israeli policies and the country’s right to exist as a Jewish state. These views have drawn criticism from many Jewish leaders in Michigan, including Rabbi Aaron Starr, president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis, and Rabbi Josh Whinston of Ann Arbor. Both rabbis, among the petition’s initial signatories, emphasize that while they and their congregations largely support the Democratic Party, El-Sayed’s stance on Israel is a point of deep concern.
The petition outlines five "nonnegotiable" demands for candidates seeking Jewish support in Michigan, including affirming “Jewish sovereignty in Israel,” endorsing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and advocating for full participation of American Jews in political life. Organizers argue that El-Sayed’s refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state undermines these principles and contributes to feelings of insecurity among Jewish Americans.
El-Sayed’s campaign has sparked controversy by frequently targeting the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which spent over $28 million opposing his primary bid through its affiliated super PAC. He condemned this spending as “legalized bribery” in social media posts. Furthermore, his association during the primary with Hasan Piker, a political commentator criticized for comments perceived as threatening to Jewish Americans, heightened concerns among Jewish community leaders. El-Sayed recently stated he does not plan to campaign with Piker in the general election.
In response to the petition and broader criticism, El-Sayed has taken limited steps to engage with Michigan’s Jewish community. He met privately with some rabbis and apologized for comments made following a March attack on a suburban Detroit synagogue, where he had suggested “hurt people hurt people.” Rabbi Starr acknowledged this apology as a step forward but said it does not go far enough to repair frayed relations. Similarly, Zach Nessel, secretary of the Michigan Jewish Democratic Caucus, characterized El-Sayed’s apology as insufficient.
Michigan Senate is considered a key battleground in the fight for control of the U.S. Senate. The seat is open due to the retirement of Senator Gary Peters. El-Sayed now faces Republican nominee Mike Rogers, a former representative endorsed by former President Donald Trump and a longtime supporter of Israel.
Both Rabbi Starr and Rabbi Whinston voiced frustration over what they described as the increasingly fraught nature of discourse surrounding Israel within the Democratic Party. Rabbi Starr expressed concern that El-Sayed’s rhetoric functions as a “dog whistle” encouraging hostility toward American Jews. The rabbis also called for El-Sayed to modify his language and policy positions, with Rabbi Whinston urging him to drop opposition to U.S. military support for Israel’s defensive capabilities.
While Rabbi Starr said he would not invite El-Sayed to address his congregation, Rabbi Whinston indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue, underscoring the importance of conversation despite political disagreements. The petition signals ongoing unease within Michigan’s Jewish community as it grapples with how to approach a candidate whose views on Israel diverge sharply from those traditionally held by many Jewish voters.