<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) criticized Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed for not condemning the remarks made by socialist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who stated that some Jews in the United States are "making antisemitism worse" with their support for Israel.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Schneider, a Jewish House Democrat and chairman of the center-left New Democrat Coalition, addressed Piker’s comments, which suggested that if American Jews continue to promote the idea of being singularly invested in Israel, there could be negative consequences for them. This statement was made while discussing Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, who is Jewish.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has so far refused to condemn the words of Hasan Piker, his friend and frequent campaign surrogate,” Schneider stated. “It is disingenuous for El-Sayed to try to distance himself from Piker without specifically condemning, refuting, or even just rejecting Piker’s hurtful rhetoric.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Schneider added, “Claiming that no one speaks for him except himself and his team is not enough. The Jewish community in Michigan deserved outright condemnation of rhetoric that threatens their safety and identity.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The criticism from fellow Democrats regarding el Sayed’s association with Piker comes as he competes with Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers in a closely contested race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), which could impact the Senate majority.</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Although el Sayed distanced himself from Piker in a statement, he did not explicitly denounce Piker’s comments. “I believe all Americans deserve the right to advocate for what they believe without fear of violence,” el Sayed stated. “This is particularly true for communities that have been intimidated for their beliefs in the past.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">El Sayed emphasized his commitment to Jewish safety, equating it to his commitment to the safety of his daughters, and described antisemitism as “a scourge,” asserting that he stands “against any rhetoric that puts the community at risk.”</p>
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“But I want to be crystal clear, nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople,” el Sayed said regarding Piker. “And while politicians and pundits try to make this race about a Twitch streamer, we’re going to be talking about gas, groceries, good schools, and healthcare. Because that’s what Michiganders keep asking about.”</p>