Michigan Jewish leaders pressure Abdul El-Sayed on Israel stance

A growing number of Jewish Democrats and community leaders in Michigan are signing a petition titled ‘Nonnegotiables’ to pressure Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed regarding his stance on Israel. The open letter, spearheaded by Michigan Jewish clergy, demands that El-Sayed moderate his views on Israel and provide more vocal support for Jewish individuals in politics as a condition for receiving their votes.

Recent signatories include State Representative Noah Arbit, founder of the Michigan Jewish Democratic Caucus, as well as a University of Michigan regent and various local attorneys and board members. This movement follows a virtual meeting where progressive activists, including former Biden administration appointee Sam Bagenstos and Hayley Sakwa of Detroit Jews for Justice, attempted to persuade skeptical voters to support El-Sayed to prevent a broader Republican agenda. Despite these efforts, several participants joined the petition expressing concerns over the candidate’s disapproval of Israel.