Michigan Jews divided after El-Sayed’s Senate election
Abdul El-Sayed's election to the US Senate has divided Michigan's Jewish community, with progressive Jews celebrating and more traditional pro-Israel institutions opposing him over his criticism of Israel and associations. Over 560 Jews signed a petition pledging to vote for Republican Mike Rogers due to concerns about El-Sayed's rhetoric.
Abdul El-Sayed's victory in Michigan's US Senate race has exposed a deep divide within the state's Jewish community. Progressive Jews who supported him celebrated at the election night watch party, with IfNotNow organizer Eli Newell saying the moment was hard to put into words. However, many leaders from more traditional pro-Israel institutions had publicly opposed El-Sayed, objecting to his criticism of Israel, his initial reaction to the Temple Israel attack, and his associations with far-left streamer Hasan Piker. Rabbi Asher Lopatin, who campaigned for Republican Mike Rogers, said he now needs to build a relationship with the senator-elect. Over 560 Jews signed a petition pledging to vote for Rogers over concerns about El-Sayed's rhetoric. The article notes that some Jewish groups, including the ADL and AJC, have signaled serious concerns but also offered an olive branch, calling on El-Sayed to demonstrate he will hear Jewish Michiganders.