A group of progressive Jewish leaders and Michigan Democrats recently reached out to former Vice President Kamala Harris, asking her to address Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed’s views on Jewish safety and Israel during their joint campaign event. The coalition, known as Nonnegotiable Michigan, consists of rabbis, cantors, and community representatives, highlighting concerns over El-Sayed’s remarks concerning Israel and the Jewish community.
Concerns Over El-Sayed’s Statements
In their correspondence, the leaders acknowledged Harris’s commitment to combating antisemitism but expressed apprehension regarding El-Sayed’s candidacy. They noted that El-Sayed had “failed to respond” to their requests to affirm his support for Jewish safety. The coalition outlined five essential principles that candidates should adhere to in order to ensure the safety and identity of Jewish communities, including rights for Zionists and a commitment to upholding Jewish sovereignty in Israel.
The Impact of Negative Rhetoric
The letter further criticized El-Sayed’s previous comments that have raised eyebrows within the community. He has referred to Israelis as “bloodthirsty” and characterized U.S. support for Israel as an act of “purchased loyalty.” Such language has led the coalition to remind candidates that support must be earned rather than expected. They described their outreach as a “good faith effort” aimed at making their concerns unequivocal while inviting candidates to engage with and understand the needs of the Jewish community.
Press Conference Reveals Community Sentiment
Following the letter, coalition leaders elaborated on their concerns during a press conference. Rabbi Michael Moskowitz of Temple Shir Shalom voiced the community’s anxiety, remarking, “The language used during this campaign has been deeply troubling.” He emphasized that families feel marginalized and “homeless” politically, urging candidates to recognize and validate their concerns, particularly around issues tied to Jewish identity and safety.
Cantor Regina Hayut from Temple Beth Emeth echoed these sentiments, stating her feeling of alienation from the Democratic Party, a party she had supported her entire life. She stressed the importance of Israel as a “safe homeland” for Jewish people and called out the harmful rhetoric that labels an entire group negatively, both in Israel and the United States.
The Historical Connection to Israel
Joan Lowenstein, president of the Ann Arbor Jewish Federation, offered a historic perspective, emphasizing the deep ancestral ties Jews have to Israel. She noted that this connection transcends politics, being rooted in over 3,000 years of Jewish history. David Kramer, a well-known Democratic fundraiser, highlighted the indivisible bond between Judaism and Zionism, asserting that attempts to separate support for Jews from support for Zionists are alarming and destabilizing.
On the day of the joint event, Harris and El-Sayed engaged in discussions centered around healthcare, maternal health, and reproductive freedom, yet they notably did not address the issues raised in the coalition’s letter. As of the latest updates, Harris’s office had not responded to inquiries surrounding the letter, leaving the concerns of the community unanswered.