Michigan Jewish leaders urge Democratic Party to protect Jewish delegates at convention

Michigan Jewish leaders, including five rabbis, delivered a petition with approximately 200 signatories to the state's Democratic Party chair, Curtis Hertel, Jr., on Monday. The petition urges the party to ensure the safety of Jewish delegates at the upcoming August 29 convention, citing growing concerns about antisemitism within the state's Democratic coalition. This action follows Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's decision not to attend the convention due to fears of harassment. The petition states, "We believe you need to make it clear, publicly, that anyone who chases, screams at, or otherwise harasses Jews at your convention will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." The concerns are exacerbated by the rise of Abdul El-Sayed, the party's newly minted US Senate nominee, whose past rhetoric on Israel and Jewish safety has drawn criticism from some Jewish Democrats. The previous Democratic convention in April was also marked by a contentious environment, including the nomination of a candidate with a history of praising Hezbollah and alleged antisemitic remarks directed at attendees.