“Non-negotiables” unveiled by progressive Jewish leaders as they push El-Sayed to stop throwing flames

More than a dozen Michigan rabbis have unveiled a list of “non-negotiables” for potentially endorsing Democrat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in an upcoming Senate election, aiming to shift his rhetoric on Israel. The “Nonnegotiables Michigan” initiative, introduced by 15 Jewish leaders, calls on El-Sayed to affirm five baseline commitments to Jewish safety, identity, political participation, and self-determination. These include the safety of all Jews, including Zionists, Jewish sovereignty in Israel, and the full participation of all Jews in American political life. Rabbi Michael Starr stated, “We want to be safe. We want to work for a better America, and to be partners in all of that, we need to have our non-negotiables met.” El-Sayed has previously described Israel as “bloodthirsty” and “evil” and appeared to justify a terror attack on a Michigan synagogue. The initiative is presented as an invitation for dialogue, not an ultimatum, with leaders emphasizing the need for politicians to avoid rhetoric that could incite violence against Jewish people.