Minnesota's Democratic nominee is an Israel critic, but she is not El-Sayed 2.0

Peggy Flanagan, Minnesota's likely next senator, has emerged as a critic of Israel, but her positions on the conflict and the Jewish community distinguish her from figures like Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed. Flanagan defeated a moderate pro-Israel congresswoman and has voiced accusations of genocide against Israel, stating she would oppose offensive weapons sales.

While Flanagan's stance on offensive weapons aligns with a significant portion of the Democratic party, she has not echoed El-Sayed's more radical positions. Notably, Flanagan has not stated she would oppose U.S. funding for defensive systems like the Iron Dome missile program. Her platform explicitly calls for a "two-state solution which allows for a secure Israel and Palestinian self-determination," a commitment El-Sayed has not made, as he has not committed to recognizing Israel's existence as a Jewish state or to a two-state solution.

“

Our Jewish communities are facing unprecedented levels of violence and threats. It is on all of us to call anti-semitism out when we see and hear it, and to make sure that all of our faith communities are treated with respect. Hate brings no one more safety, more dignity, or more peace.

Flanagan's approach to antisemitism has also drawn a clear line. In contrast to El-Sayed's perceived equivocation in condemning an attack on a Detroit-area synagogue, Flanagan has been unequivocal. She has stated, "Our Jewish communities are facing unprecedented levels of violence and threats," and emphasized the need to "call anti-semitism out when we see and hear it." This firm stance was reiterated when Temple Israel in Minneapolis was vandalized with symbols associated with Hamas, prompting Flanagan to declare, "Hate has no home in Minnesota, and every house of worship should be a safe place to pray."

Despite these distinctions, some Jewish Democrats have expressed concern over Flanagan's rhetoric, suggesting that certain statements have played into antisemitic tropes. However, her public responses to antisemitic incidents and her clear articulation of support for a two-state solution position her within a specific, though critical, segment of the Democratic mainstream regarding Israel policy.

“

Last night, Temple Israel in Minneapolis was defaced with anti-Semitic hate. My heart is with the congregants of Temple Israel and our entire Jewish community. Hate has no home in Minnesota, and every house of worship should be a safe place to pray.