Michigan Democrats Face Internal Conflict Over Israel at State Convention

<p><strong>LANSING, MI</strong> - Michigan Democrats are set to gather on Saturday in Lansing for their 2026 state nominating convention amid ongoing discussions regarding antisemitic harassment and differing views on U.S. support for Israel.</p><p>Democratic Michigan Attorney General <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/michigan-dem-ag-turns-el-sayed-terror-attack-response-warns-mentality-bothers-lot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dana Nessel</a>, who is Jewish, announced her decision not to attend the convention due to security concerns. This follows an incident at a previous convention in April where anti-Israel activists disrupted pro-Israel speakers, including Rep. Haley Stevens.</p><p>The upcoming convention occurs as a segment of the Democratic Party advocates for reducing military aid to Israel, coinciding with the Israeli government's military actions against Hamas in Gaza.</p><p>Recently, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/el-sayed-defense-sharia-law-stance-sparks-online-eruption-christians-conservatives-hes-done" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abdul El-Sayed</a>, a critic of Israel, narrowly defeated Stevens to secure the Democratic Senate nomination for a key seat in the midterm elections.</p><p>Nessel expressed her concerns during a roundtable discussion, stating, "I don’t feel safe going. I feel like my presence isn’t going to be welcome. I don’t want to get chased around. I don’t want to get harassed. I don’t want to get yelled and screamed at. I don’t want to get booed off the stage, irrespective of what I’m saying."</p><p>The Michigan Democratic Party responded by affirming its commitment to ensuring safe environments at party events, with spokesperson Derrick Honeyman stating, "We reject antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hateful conduct. We are working diligently with stakeholders, elected officials, and party membership to prepare for our August convention and look forward to welcoming Michigan Democrats to the Lansing Center on August 29."</p><p>Joan Lowenstein, endorsement chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, mentioned that she has not encountered anyone who feels unsafe at the convention, although she acknowledged that some attendees might find the atmosphere unpleasant.</p><p>Rabbi Asher Lopatin expressed concerns about the treatment of Jewish Democrats at previous conventions, stating, "People are traumatized from the previous convention. Many super progressive people are really traumatized by the way they were treated, and the way Haley Stevens was booed."</p><p>Lopatin criticized the extremists within the party for intimidating figures like Nessel, emphasizing the need for the Jewish community to remain strong and proud.</p><p>Stacy Gittleman, a lifelong Democrat supportive of Israel, noted that she observed a significant presence of Palestinian flags at the April convention, which she interpreted as a sign of the party's leftward shift.</p><p>Some Jewish leaders in Michigan are circulating an open letter urging Jewish Democrats and independents to support Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, citing concerns over the party's direction. One anonymous source involved with the letter described the situation as a "do-or-die moment" for lifelong Democrats feeling disconnected from the party.</p><p>Lowenstein, who opposes the petition, acknowledged that the issue is seen as existential by some party members, leading them to take action.</p><p>Rogers, who is campaigning to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, highlighted concerns he has heard from Jewish voters, stating, "I've talked to two young women who were at University of Michigan who were afraid to walk to class. They couldn't display their Star of David."</p><p>El-Sayed, a former Wayne County Health Department director, has made significant statements regarding Israel's military actions, using terms like "bloodthirsty" to describe them. He has also called for a reevaluation of U.S. military aid to Israel and has faced criticism for not directly affirming Israel's right to exist.</p><p>After winning the Senate nomination, El-Sayed stated, "I stand in solidarity with my Jewish sisters and brothers, and we can condemn antisemitism. And, at the same time, we can be talking about how we bring people together, and we can be talking about everybody's pain." He emphasized his commitment to combating antisemitism.</p>