Several Jewish Democrats in Michigan are contemplating supporting Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in the upcoming election. This decision arises from concerns regarding Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate who has been openly critical of Israel.
In a conversation with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), Jewish donors expressed the possibility of El-Sayed winning the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s Senate seat. Prominent fundraisers within the community are beginning to view Rogers as an alternative, planning to support him against El-Sayed.
Dennis Bernard, the national chair of government relations at Jewish Federations of North America, highlighted the shifting sentiments. He noted that long-standing Democratic fundraisers are worried about the party’s direction and are prepared to financially and electorally support Rogers if El-Sayed prevails in the primary.
Concerns About El-Sayed
Retired commercial mortgage banker Neil Gorosh shared his apprehension about El-Sayed. While Gorosh intends not to fundraise for Rogers, he would nonetheless cast his vote for him and urge friends to do the same.
Some Jewish Democrats are focusing on Rep. Haley Stevens, El-Sayed’s primary competitor. An anonymous Jewish leader emphasized Stevens’ historical support for Israel’s national rights and encouraged those concerned about U.S.-Israel relations to vote for her.
“Anyone who cares about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship, Democrat or Republican, needs to vote for Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary,” they said.
Shimon Levy, an Israeli-American entrepreneur, explicitly voiced distrust toward El-Sayed. He criticized El-Sayed’s words, arguing they have endangered Jewish communities in Southeast Michigan.
Antisemitism Accusations
El-Sayed’s campaign has faced accusations of antisemitism due to his past comments and associations. He has defended working with far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who previously made contentious claims regarding Israel and Hamas. El-Sayed has also been reluctant to affirm Israel’s right to exist, labeling Israel’s actions as comparable to those of Hamas.
Although the press reached out to El-Sayed’s campaign for a comment, a response was not immediately provided.
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