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Michigan Jewish leaders urge Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to moderate Israel stance

A group of Michigan rabbis signed a petition urging the Democratic candidate to shift his rhetoric, according to The Hill.

The short version

  • A group of 15 Michigan Jewish leaders launched a petition urging Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to change his stance and rhetoric regarding Israel.[The Hill]
  • The petition follows scrutiny over El-Sayed's past critical statements on Israel, including labeling actions in Gaza a genocide and declining to state that Israel has a right to exist.[The Hill]
  • A campaign spokesperson declined to comment on the petition to The New York Times in a race rated as a toss-up by the Cook Political Report.[The Hill]

Key facts

  • A petition signed by 15 Michigan Jewish leaders, including Michigan Board of Rabbis president Rabbi Aaron Starr, urges Abdul El-Sayed to alter his rhetoric on Israel.[The Hill]
  • El-Sayed has criticized unconditional support for Israel, referred to events in Gaza as genocide, and declined to affirm Israel's right to exist.[The Hill]
  • An El-Sayed campaign spokesperson declined to provide a comment to The New York Times regarding the letter.[The Hill]
  • The Cook Political Report rates the Michigan Senate election as a toss-up.[The Hill]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether El-Sayed's campaign will alter its public positions or address the specific points raised by the petition remains unknown following a refusal to comment.[The Hill]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.