Some Jewish Democrats in Michigan are moving to support Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers. State GOP Chair Jim Runestad believes opposition to Abdul El-Sayed will lead to significant Jewish defection from the Democratic Party.

Runestad stated that Jewish Democratic donors are concerned about El-Sayed. His controversial remarks and associations create fear in Michigan’s Jewish community.

“The big issue is Democratic donors who are Jewish, and what we’re hearing most of the angst is about from them, is El-Sayed,”

Around 500 Jewish Democrats and independents in Michigan signed an open letter. They call Rogers a “friend to the Jewish community” and express concern about “far-left and anti-Jewish elements” becoming dominant if El-Sayed wins.

The Rogers campaign directly appeals to Michigan Democrats following El-Sayed’s primary win. El-Sayed’s video on Rosh Hashanah with Jewish women activists faced criticism. Critics noted the pro-Palestinian activism of the women and their unfamiliarity with Hebrew prayers.

Democratic State Rep. Noah Arbit from a heavily Jewish town commented on the situation, saying, “Man I really hate tokenism.” Rabbi Jonathan Greenberg criticized El-Sayed’s attempt to appeal to the Jewish community as disingenuous.

Despite this, El-Sayed’s video gained significant social media traction. It remains unclear if El-Sayed’s issue with Jewish voters will impact Democratic outcomes in Michigan beyond this race.

The Rogers campaign believes their outreach to the Jewish community is successful. They report positive messages from Jewish voters and strong fundraising efforts.

Runestad is optimistic that Republicans can gain long-term Jewish community support. He cites connection to shared values like entrepreneurship, tax reduction, and less regulation.

However, Rogers must also counter El-Sayed’s support in Michigan’s Arab American community. This includes strongholds like Dearborn and Dearborn Heights where El-Sayed performed well in the primary.

Concerns about Hasan Piker, an associate of El-Sayed, are also raised. Piker’s antisemitic comments are seen as problematic by the Jewish community.

El-Sayed downplays his connection to Piker but acknowledges poor judgment in some of Piker’s comments. Campaign spokesman Cole Wozniak praised El-Sayed’s efforts to engage Jewish leaders and communities in Michigan.

In response to the pro-Rogers letter, liberal Jewish leaders in Michigan gathered over 800 signatures supporting El-Sayed. While some support him, they express disagreement over issues like foreign policy.