U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, a moderate Democratic Senate candidate from Michigan, on Friday accused her primary rival Abdul El-Sayed of blaming all his problems on Jewish Americans. This accusation followed El-Sayed's renewed targeting of the pro-Israel AIPAC lobby. The incident highlights growing concerns about the rise of anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party and its potential impact on Jewish communities.
El-Sayed appeared in a social media clip that quickly went viral. In it, he urged AIPAC to “come for me,” stating, “You picked [Stevens] the least capable candidate in America… If you think you can beat money out of politics, money in your pocket, medicare for all, come. I’ll tell you what people don’t want: they don’t want money in a foreign government,” directly referencing AIPAC’s support for Israel. His rhetoric frames support for the Jewish state as an illegitimate foreign influence.
Responding to these remarks, Stevens suggested El-Sayed would be a less viable candidate in the general election against a Republican. She then told him, “everyone in America understands you want to blame all of your problems on Jewish Americans.” Stevens, who is not Jewish, posted on X, “Let me be very clear, I will lower the costs of groceries, ban stock trading for elected officials, stop Trump’s abuses of power, and protect Michigan manufacturing. And you’ll just be a celebrity whining and writing books to get even richer. You’re part of the complainer class, looking for their next book or podcast deal.”
Rising Anti-Israel Sentiment
Stevens’ criticism came just days before the August 4 primary vote. AIPAC has spent record levels in this campaign, specifically working to defeat El-Sayed, who has made opposition to the pro-Israel group a central issue of his platform. His consistent rhetoric against AIPAC and Israel has deeply alarmed many Jewish Democrats in Michigan. They are now reconsidering their loyalty to the party if he wins the primary, believing such a victory would portend an existential threat to the national Jewish community.
Concerns extend beyond Michigan. If El-Sayed secures a victory in this swing state, some fear it will embolden more candidates with similar anti-Israel views. This could lead to an unsafe environment for Jews in Michigan and across the nation. The nationwide importance of this race and the Jewish vote was underscored recently when New York State Republicans made an explicit appeal to Jewish Democrats. Their digital ad campaign claimed Jews were leaving the party “in droves” “from Maine to Michigan.”
The Broader Political Landscape
This trend isn't isolated. Before dropping out as the Democratic Senate nominee in Maine over sexual assault allegations he has denied, Graham Platner placed anti-Israel criticism near the center of his platform. Opposition to the Jewish state has also fueled the primary wins of left-wing candidates in New York, Colorado, and other states. These developments signal a dangerous shift within American politics, where support for Israel, a key Western ally, is increasingly challenged by elements within a major political party.