Michigan rabbis lay out demands for El-Sayed and state Democrats to earn their votes

Liberal Michigan rabbis and Jewish leaders have issued a list of “nonnegotiable” principles for Democratic candidates, including US Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed, to earn Jewish votes. The open letter, titled “Nonnegotiable Michigan” and backed by the progressive Zionist group Zioness Action Fund, outlines five key demands:

• Jewish safety for all, including Zionist Jews, in Michigan and across America.
• The right to define Jewish identities.
• Jewish sovereignty in Israel.
• Full participation in American political life.
• An affirmative vision for a better future in the Middle East.

Spearheaded by Rabbi Josh Whinston and Rabbi Aaron Starr, the initiative seeks to clarify Jewish concerns for political leaders. Rabbi Starr stated, “Every constituency must occasionally remind its party that support is earned, not owed.” This campaign comes amidst El-Sayed's efforts to engage Jewish voters following past controversial comments and a rival group urging a vote for his Republican opponent.