Abdul El-Sayed emphasizes focus on health while campaigning with Kamala Harris

A coalition of progressive Jewish leaders and Michigan Democrats have urged former Vice President Kamala Harris to question Senate candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed about his views on Jewish safety and Israel during their joint campaign appearance. The group, called Nonnegotiable Michigan, consisting of rabbis, cantors, and community leaders, expressed deep concern over El-Sayed's candidacy, stating that he has had ample opportunity to address their request for support but has declined even to respond.

The coalition outlined five core principles that candidates must address to ensure Jewish safety, including protection for Zionists, upholding Jewish sovereignty in Israel, and providing an affirmative vision for the Middle East. They criticized El-Sayed for using antisemitic language, such as calling Israelis "bloodthirsty" and blaming Israel for local issues in Michigan.

Despite Harris's record on combating antisemitism, the coalition emphasized that support cannot be taken for granted and that candidates must earn it. During a subsequent press conference, community leaders expressed their unease, feeling politically homeless and concerned about the language used in the campaign.