Readers Denounce El-Sayed Ad Blaming Israel Aid for Grocery Prices

A campaign advertisement for Michigan candidate Abdul El-Sayed, which linked rising grocery prices to U.S. aid for Israel, has drawn sharp criticism from readers of the New York Post. The ad's message has been characterized as antisemitic, with several letter writers expressing concern over its implications.

One reader noted that while El-Sayed's staff disavowed a connection to the ad, they had not explicitly denounced it. The writer suggested that the candidate's failure to do so should solidify voters' perception of anti-Israel and antisemitic views, urging Michigan voters, particularly Jewish residents, to take notice.

Another perspective highlighted the irony of blaming Israel aid for price increases, suggesting that El-Sayed's campaign overlooked fundamental economic principles such as supply and demand. This letter argued that increased government spending on housing and supplies for a large influx of people contributes to rising prices and shortages.

Some letters drew parallels between the El-Sayed ad and other political advertisements, including one for Vivek Ramaswamy featuring Amy Acton's estranged mother. One writer criticized both ads as examples of "moral rot" in politics and stated that any politician excusing such tactics, whether Democrat or Republican, is equally reprehensible.

Criticism extended to other political figures as well. One letter mentioned Darializa Chevalier appearing to celebrate shortly after the Oct. 7 attacks, and Mayor Mamdani's wife's posts approving of that day. Colorado House candidate Melat Kiros was also noted for refusing to call an attack on Jews protesting Hamas antisemitic.

Another letter contrasted El-Sayed with John F. Kennedy, suggesting El-Sayed is focused on personal gain rather than national contribution. The writer asserted that El-Sayed should not be given further opportunity to "take."

Amidst the criticism of the El-Sayed ad, one reader cautioned against smearing all Democrats, distinguishing between "decent candidates" and the influence of groups like the Democratic Socialists of America, which they likened to MAGA's impact on the Republican party.