Full Breakdown
Michigan Jewish Leaders Issue “Nonnegotiable” Demands for Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed
9/10/2026, 12:07:28 PM
The Petition and Its Core Demands
A coalition of more than a dozen Michigan rabbis, cantors and lay leaders launched a petition urging Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed to adopt five “nonnegotiable” commitments: protection of Jewish safety, recognition of each Jew’s right to define identity, affirmation of Jewish sovereignty in Israel, assurance that Jews can fully participate in American politics without fear, and a Middle-East vision that secures both Israeli and Palestinian self-determination. The petition, prepared with Zioness Action Fund, does not name El-Sayed but identifies him as the primary audience. Fifteen clergy signed, including Rabbi Aaron Starr, president of the Michigan Board of Rabbis, and Rabbi Josh Whinston, senior rabbi of Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor.
Background: Controversial Remarks on Israel and the Temple Israel Attack
El-Sayed’s record on Israel has become a flashpoint. In a July interview he said he “does not believe in ethno-states,” declining to affirm Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state. Earlier in the primary he described Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “bloodthirsty,” a comment many Jewish leaders called antisemitic. After a March truck attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, El-Sayed responded, “hurt people, hurt people,” a remark widely interpreted as downplaying the violence. He later apologized, saying he “made a mistake” and regretted any pain caused.
Reactions from Jewish Leaders
The petition’s organizers argue that El-Sayed’s rhetoric has left many Jews feeling “homeless” within the Democratic coalition. Whinston also pressed El-Sayed to support continued U.S. funding for Israel’s Iron Dome missile-defense system, a policy point the candidate has not addressed.
El-Sayed’s Attempts to Repair Relations
Since winning the primary, El-Sayed has met privately with several rabbis and publicly apologized for his “hurt people, hurt people” remark. The campaign plans to hire a Jewish liaison to improve communication. Leaders such as Starr contend that the apologies have been “partial” and that his broader stance on Israel remains insufficient.
Political Stakes in a Toss-Up Senate Race
The Michigan Senate contest is rated a “toss-up” by the Cook Political Report. A super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent more than $30 million to support former Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary and to oppose El-Sayed. Jewish voters, estimated at roughly 100,000 in the state, could prove decisive. Some Jewish leaders have signed a separate petition endorsing Republican nominee Mike Rogers, arguing that Democratic candidates must not tolerate rhetoric perceived as hostile to Israel or Jewish safety.
Official Statements & Responses
El-Sayed’s campaign spokesperson declined to comment on the petition. The Michigan Democratic Party also refrained from an immediate response.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Dr. El-Sayed took an important step forward, but just not far enough,” — Rabbi Aaron Starr, Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Southfield.
- “It took on another level of meaning after his quote-unquote ‘apology,’ which was really only a partial apology,” — Rabbi Aaron Starr, Congregation Shaarey Zedek, Southfield.
What’s Next
The general election is slated for November. The petition’s organizers warn that failure to meet the five commitments will cost Jewish support for any Democratic candidate. El-Sayed’s ability to secure endorsements may hinge on a more comprehensive statement on Israel’s right to exist and concrete policy proposals such as continued Iron Dome funding.