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Michigan Jewish leaders demand protection at Democratic convention amid antisemitism fears

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

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  • Michigan Jewish leaders submitted a petition to the state's Democratic Party chair, urging protection for Jewish delegates at the upcoming convention.
  • The petition highlights anxieties over rising antisemitism within the state's Democratic coalition.
  • Concerns stem partly from rhetoric by the party's new US Senate nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, and a previous incident at Temple Israel.

Michigan's Jewish leaders have formally requested the state's Democratic Party ensure the safety of Jewish delegates at their upcoming convention. A petition, signed by approximately 200 individuals, was delivered to Curtis Hertel Jr., the state party chair, expressing anxieties about increasing antisemitism within the Democratic coalition.

We believe you need to make it clear, publicly, that anyone who chases, screams at, or otherwise harasses Jews at your convention will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

— Petition to Curtis Hertel, Jr.From a petition submitted by Michigan Jewish leaders to the state Democratic Party chair.

The petition calls for a clear public statement that individuals harassing Jewish attendees will face arrest and prosecution. This plea follows Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel's announcement that she would not attend the convention due to fears of harassment. The petition cites Nessel's decision, stating, "If Jews, including the highest-ranking Jewish state official in Michigan, are intimidated into staying away from your convention, it will not stop there."

Among the signatories are several rabbis from Reform, Conservative, and Humanistic denominations across Michigan. Many other signatories are from outside the state, including national Jewish organizations and academics. The petition does not explicitly name Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Michigan. However, Jewish Democrats have expressed unease regarding El-Sayed's past rhetoric on Israel and local Jewish safety issues, particularly his response to an attack at Temple Israel in March.

If Jews, including the highest-ranking Jewish state official in Michigan, are intimidated into staying away from your convention, it will not stop there.

— Petition to Curtis Hertel, Jr.From a petition submitted by Michigan Jewish leaders to the state Democratic Party chair, referencing Attorney General Dana Nessel's decision not to attend.

While some rabbis affiliated with Temple Israel did not sign the petition, El-Sayed has publicly addressed concerns about Jewish safety, stating his commitment is equal to that for his own daughters. Despite these assurances, a number of Jewish Democratic leaders remain unconvinced, indicating ongoing tension and a need for further dialogue within the party regarding these issues.

My commitment to Jewish safety is the same commitment that I have to the safety of my own daughters.

— Abdul El-SayedMichigan Democratic US Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed addressing concerns about Jewish safety.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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