More than 400 Jewish Democrats in Michigan have signed a letter expressing concern about leftist candidate Abdul El-Sayed and backing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers in the upcoming U.S. Senate race. The signatories stated they feel "threatened and alienated" by El-Sayed and his political allies, fearing that his potential victory could empower "far-left and anti-Jewish elements" within the Democratic Party.
Among the prominent signatories is Rob Orley, a significant Democratic donor and senior advisor for O2 Investments, who has previously contributed substantial amounts to Democratic campaigns. The letter, which includes signatures from other notable members of Michigan's Jewish community such as former University of Michigan regent Laurence Deitch and Robert Gordon, former president of Temple Israel, warns of the implications for the 2028 presidential race if El-Sayed were to win in the swing state.
However, former U.S. Representative Andy Levin, a Democrat who is Jewish, has contested the significance of this opposition. Levin, who endorsed El-Sayed in November 2025, characterized the signatories as "long-time APACs, insiders and supporters" and suggested that the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC) is behind the letter. He argued that AIPAC represents a minority view on Israel and Palestine within the broader Jewish community and noted that he receives daily messages from Jewish individuals supporting El-Sayed's candidacy and the Democratic Party.
Some signatories have pushed back on Levin's assertion. Daniel Cherrin, an attorney and signatory, stated he has not attended an AIPAC event in over 30 years. While he respects Levin and has previously worked with El-Sayed, Cherrin expressed deep concern about the movement supporting El-Sayed's candidacy, citing a lack of safety within that environment for his community.
Concerns have also been raised regarding El-Sayed's past affiliations, particularly with Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who has made controversial statements about Jewish people and the September 11th attacks. El-Sayed has attempted to distance himself from Piker, stating he has no plans to continue campaigning with him. Levin, while condemning Piker's remarks, suggested that El-Sayed's association with Piker is receiving disproportionate attention compared to similar associations by other political figures.
Roslyn Schindler, a progressive Democrat and daughter of Holocaust survivors, expressed support for El-Sayed, believing the Democratic Party needs a shake-up and that it should be a large tent inclusive of all members. She stated she is not anti-Zionist but a committed Jew and Democrat who believes antisemitism can be countered within the Jewish community at large.
Conversely, Cherrin argued that the need for security at synagogues indicates that the Jewish community alone cannot tackle antisemitism. He stressed that the discomfort felt by many Jewish Democrats regarding El-Sayed should not be overlooked.
El-Sayed's campaign stated that he is grateful for conversations with Jewish leaders and will continue to engage with communities to defeat Rogers and "restore Democratic control of the U.S. Senate."
Rogers, a former congressman, welcomed the support from the Jewish community, asserting that leaders must confront hatred. He criticized El-Sayed, stating that his opponent "fans the flames of antisemitism."
Levin and other progressive Jewish Democrats maintain that President Donald Trump and his allies, like Rogers, pose the greatest threat to democracy. Levin emphasized the importance of electing El-Sayed as the first Muslim senator, believing it would be a significant step for American democracy.