Over 400 Jewish Democrats in Michigan Support Republican Candidate Mike Rogers Against Abdul El-Sayed

<p>More than 400 Democratic Jewish individuals in Michigan are supporting Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, expressing feelings of being "threatened and alienated" by leftist candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his political allies.</p><p>Rob Orley, a prominent Democratic donor and senior advisor for O2 Investments, is among the signatories. Orley has previously contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Democratic campaigns, according to FEC filings, but is now backing Rogers over El-Sayed.</p><p>In a letter signed by Orley and others, they stated, "Many of us have been fiercely supportive of Democratic candidates and principles." The letter continues, "If El-Sayed were to win the general election in this important swing state, we fear the far-left and anti-Jewish elements in the Democratic Party would become dominant, including in the imminent 2028 presidential race. We cannot allow him to become the Democratic standard-bearer or Michigan’s senator."</p><p>The letter includes signatures from notable members of Michigan's Jewish community, such as Robert Gordon, former president of Temple Israel, which experienced an antisemitic attack in March. Other signatories include Shayna Levine, daughter of the leading rabbi at Temple Israel; David Propis, cantor of Congregation Shaarey Zedek; Laurence Deitch, former University of Michigan regent; and Hannan Lis, a Weight Watchers executive, all expressing feelings of being "threatened and alienated by the politics and allies embraced by Abdul El-Sayed."</p><p>Former Representative Andy Levin, who is Jewish, argues that opposition to El-Sayed among Jewish Democrats is a minority view and claims that the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC) is influencing the letter. Levin lost his 2022 primary bid to Rep. Haley Stevens after AIPAC spent over $4 million against him.</p><p>"It's not a surprise to me," Levin stated in an interview. "The people I know associated with it are all long-time AIPAC insiders and supporters." He added that AIPAC "represents a distinctly minority position about Israel and Palestine within the Jewish community." Levin endorsed El-Sayed in November 2025.</p><p>Levin mentioned receiving significant support from Jewish individuals who want to ensure El-Sayed wins the election on November 3rd, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a Democratic seat in the Senate.</p><p>Attorney Daniel Cherrin, a letter signatory, stated he has not attended an AIPAC event in over 30 years and expressed concern for the safety of his community regarding the movement supporting El-Sayed. Cherrin said, "I am very concerned about the movement that is behind Abdul, and for the safety of my community, I don't feel safe in that environment with the people that are standing in support of him."</p><p>Cherrin highlighted the need for both Rogers and El-Sayed to engage with Jewish community members outside of politics to understand their perspectives better.</p><p>El-Sayed's campaign spokesperson stated that he is grateful for conversations with Jewish leaders across Michigan and aims to build a coalition to defeat Rogers and restore Democratic control of the Senate.</p><p>Rogers, who served in Congress for 15 years, expressed appreciation for the support from the Jewish community, particularly from those crossing party lines. He stated, "As antisemitism rises and Jewish families worry for their safety, it’s critical that we have leaders who will confront hatred — not inflame it."</p><p>Levin and Schindler, progressive Jewish Democrats, view Trump and his allies as significant threats to democracy. Levin stated, "We have a chance to protect our Democracy by keeping this U.S. Senate seat democratic and expanding our democracy, by electing a Muslim to the U.S. Senate."</p>