Michigan Democrat leaders join Nonnegotiable campaign pressuring El-Sayed on Jewish safety, Israel

Seventeen Michigan Jewish elected officials, party leaders, and activists have joined the Nonnegotiable Michigan campaign, urging Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed to affirm key commitments on Jewish safety, identity, and Israeli statehood. The roster includes notable figures such as University of Michigan Regent Mark Bernstein, State Representative Noah Arbit, and former Keego Harbor Mayor Rob Kalman.

This effort, launched by Michigan rabbis, cantors, and synagogue lay leaders, follows a three-week period with no response from El-Sayed's campaign to address Jewish Democratic voters' concerns. The campaign focuses on five core commitments: affirming Jewish safety, recognizing the right of Jews to define their identities, supporting Jewish sovereignty in Israel, welcoming Jewish political participation, and presenting a better future for the Middle East.

Nonnegotiable Michigan stresses that this is an invitation for candidates to engage with Jewish voters, not an ultimatum. However, participants feel frustrated by El-Sayed's absence despite approaching Election Day and citing his past concerning rhetoric about the Jewish community. The group demands concrete answers from El-Sayed about the safety of Zionist Jews, his stance on dismantling Jewish sovereignty, and his rejection of anti-Semitic rhetoric. El-Sayed's campaign team did not respond to requests for comment.