El-Sayed distances himself from Hasan Piker as Jewish Democrats question his Israel stance

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed distanced himself from anti-Israel livestreamer Hasan Piker after Piker made comments interpreted as justifying threats against American Jews. El-Sayed reiterated his commitment to Jewish safety and denounced antisemitic rhetoric, acknowledging that his campaign surrogate poses problems with Jewish voters and other Democrats.

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has distanced himself from one of his strongest supporters, anti-Israel livestreamer Hasan Piker, after Piker made comments that Jewish Democrats interpreted as justifying threats against American Jews. On an Aug. 20 Twitch stream, Piker stated that if American Jews keep emphasizing their investment in Israel, eventually someone will take action against them, not the state of Israel. He also called Israel 'Jewish ISIS' while showing a picture of Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, a pro-Israel Jewish Democrat running for Congress. El-Sayed responded by linking his social media statement directly to Piker, reiterating his commitment to Jewish safety and denouncing antisemitic rhetoric. The incident has strained El-Sayed's relationships with Jewish voters and other Democrats. Rep. Hillary Scholten, who had been in talks to endorse El-Sayed, ended those discussions after the controversy. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemned threats against Jews without naming Piker. Republican opponent Mike Rogers highlighted El-Sayed's connection to Piker, calling the candidate a 'conman.' Jewish Democrats remain divided on whether to support El-Sayed, who opposes all military aid to Israel. El-Sayed is scheduled to host a town hall in Oakland County with Rep. Jamie Raskin.