Michigan rabbis call to protect Jewish delegates at Democratic convention

Michigan rabbis and Jewish figures delivered a petition to the state’s Democratic Party chair, Curtis Hertel, Jr., on Monday, urging him to “ensure the safety” of Jewish delegates at the upcoming August 29 convention. This action follows Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's decision not to attend due to fears of harassment. The petition, signed by approximately 200 individuals, including five active Michigan rabbis, demands public clarity that harassment of Jews at the convention will lead to arrest and prosecution. The letter states, “If Jews — including the highest-ranking Jewish state official in Michigan — are intimidated into staying away from your convention, it will not stop there.” Concerns about antisemitism within the party have intensified with the rise of Abdul El-Sayed, the newly minted US Senate nominee, whose past rhetoric on Israel and local Jewish safety issues has drawn criticism. Halie Soifer, chair of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, called on El-Sayed to “stand with and defend Nessel and other Jewish Democrats,” emphasizing that the Jewish vote is crucial in Michigan.