Michigan Jews ask Kamala Harris to press El-Sayed on antisemitism, Israel

Progressive rabbis and Jewish Democrats in Michigan have urged Vice President Kamala Harris to address concerns regarding Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed's stance on Jewish safety and Israel's right to exist. In a letter to Harris, these leaders, including Rabbi Aaron Starr and Democratic fundraiser David Kramer, stated that El-Sayed has not affirmed five key principles on Jewish safety and political participation, and they accused him of using antisemitic tropes. They emphasized, "Jewish safety, including for Zionists, is nonnegotiable." This appeal was made as Harris campaigned with El-Sayed, despite his past support for the "uncommitted" movement in the 2024 Democratic primary, which protested the Biden administration's support for Israel. The Jewish leaders also noted that some Jews and Democrats in the state are considering voting for Republican Mike Rogers.