Lawn signs for Abdul, door knocking for Haley: Michigan Jews split in Senate Democratic primary

Michigan's Democratic Senate primary reveals a significant split among Jewish voters, primarily due to differing views on Israel. US Rep. Haley Stevens, a staunch supporter of Israel, is favored by many pro-Israel Jewish Democrats, including the Jewish Democratic Council of America, which has endorsed her and made numerous calls to voters. Conversely, Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate, has garnered support from Jewish individuals who align with his critical stance on Israel's actions in Gaza, which he has described as "genocide."

• Karen Bick, a Jewish resident, exemplifies the ambivalence, opting to sit out the race due to El-Sayed's accusations against Israel and Stevens's lack of compelling alternative reasons.
• Barbara Weinberg Barefield, a founder of Detroit's Jewish Voice for Peace chapter, actively campaigns for El-Sayed, stating, "Justice, equality, and freedom are part of the fabric of me being a Jew."
• Suzanne Levin, another Jewish supporter of El-Sayed, dismisses accusations of antisemitism against him, noting his calls for a safe place for all people.
• Halie Soifer, CEO of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, expressed concern over El-Sayed's rhetoric and his response to a temple attack, emphasizing the need for a senator to "stand with that community as we face the rise of antisemitism."