Pro-El-Sayed Ad Blaming Israel for Grocery Prices Sparks Antisemitism Accusations

A political advertisement supporting Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has ignited controversy and accusations of antisemitism by linking U.S. aid to Israel with increased grocery prices.

The ad, produced by Rebellion PAC, features a couple discussing the rising cost of groceries, with the woman stating, "They like eggs, but we have to set that $7 aside for killing Palestinians." The man questions the amount of U.S. aid to Israel, which the ad claims amounts to $161 per person, and suggests the money is used for military actions in Gaza.

The spot, created by Cenk Uygur, co-founder of "The Young Turks," initially links high gas prices to a war in Iran before pivoting to criticize El-Sayed's opponent, Republican Mike Rogers, for his stance on Israel. The ad employs a narrative twist from a previous pro-Trump ad, stating, "Mike Rogers is for they/them. Abdul El-Sayed is for you."

The advertisement has faced widespread condemnation from various groups and individuals. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), called the ad a "case study in antisemitism" and accused the PAC of scapegoating Israel. Joel Petlin, superintendent of the Kiryas Joel School District, drew a parallel to historical antisemitic propaganda. Jonah Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Dispatch, described the ad as "dumb and bigoted at scale."

Tech futurist Jamie Metzl stated that El-Sayed must unequivocally condemn the ad and its creators to avoid being labeled an antisemite. He also called for Democrats to condemn the ad with the same fervor they might condemn similar controversial ads targeting other groups.

U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, a Democrat who previously ran against El-Sayed, criticized the ad, stating, "This type of fearmongering about Israel is wrong. It is not a winning strategy for any state. It does nothing to help Michigan Democrats win up and down the ballot in eight days."

Cenk Uygur defended the ad, telling The Post that the criticism was misplaced and that the ad was merely questioning foreign aid. "There’s nothing more normal than that," Uygur said. "But when someone criticizes the government of Israel, and you hear ‘They hate all Jews,’ get clinical help."

El-Sayed's campaign had not immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the advertisement and the backlash it has generated.