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

<p>More than 400 Jewish Democrats in Michigan are endorsing Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, expressing feelings of being "threatened and alienated" by Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his political allies. Prominent Democratic donor Rob Orley, a senior advisor for O2 Investments, is among the signatories of a letter backing Rogers. Orley has previously contributed significant funds to Democratic campaigns, according to FEC filings.</p><p>The letter states, "Many of us have been fiercely supportive of Democratic candidates and principles." It further warns that if El-Sayed were to win the general election, "the far-left and anti-Jewish elements in the Democratic Party would become dominant, including in the imminent 2028 presidential race."</p><p>Among those who signed the letter are Robert Gordon, former president of Temple Israel, and Shayna Levine, daughter of the leading rabbi at the same temple. They, along with others, expressed concerns about the political environment surrounding El-Sayed.</p><p>Former Representative Andy Levin, who is also Jewish, contends that the opposition to El-Sayed among Jewish Democrats represents a minority view, attributing the letter's influence to the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC). Levin, who lost his 2022 primary bid after AIPAC spent over $4 million against him, stated, "The people I know associated with it are all long-time AIPAC insiders and supporters."</p><p>Levin endorsed El-Sayed in November 2025, emphasizing that many Jewish individuals are supportive of El-Sayed's candidacy. He noted that he receives significant outreach from Jewish constituents who want to ensure El-Sayed wins the election on November 3rd.</p><p>Attorney Daniel Cherrin, who signed the letter, expressed his concerns about the movement backing El-Sayed. He stated, "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>El-Sayed has faced scrutiny for his association with Hasan Piker, a Twitch streamer who has made controversial statements. El-Sayed has attempted to distance himself from Piker, indicating that the focus on this affiliation is misplaced.</p><p>Roslyn Schindler, a member of a progressive Reform synagogue, shared her support for El-Sayed, emphasizing the need for a diverse Democratic Party. She stated, "I am certainly not an anti-Zionist, as many Jews who don't support Abdul think we are, but I am a committed Jew."</p><p>Cherrin highlighted the importance of addressing antisemitism and ensuring the safety of the Jewish community, stating that many Jewish Democrats are uncomfortable supporting the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate.</p><p>El-Sayed's campaign expressed commitment to engaging with Jewish leaders and communities to build support against Rogers. Rogers, who served in Congress for 15 years, acknowledged the support from Jewish community members crossing party lines to back his candidacy, emphasizing the need for leaders who confront hatred.</p><p>While some progressive Jewish Democrats view the current Republican leadership as a significant threat to democracy, Levin argued for the importance of electing a Muslim senator, stating, "It’s about damn time that Muslims had a senator and there’s a brilliant person running here in Michigan who we can elect to be the first one."</p>