On Monday, a group of rabbis and Jewish leaders in Michigan submitted a petition to the state Democratic Party, urging them to safeguard Jewish delegates at the upcoming convention.
This call to action came after about 200 leaders signed the petition, prompted by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s announcement that she would be skipping the Aug. 29 event due to concerns about potential harassment. As reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, tensions within the party are increasing, particularly around the issue of Israel.
“It is critical to make it abundantly clear that anyone who harasses or threatens Jews at the convention will face serious consequences,” the petition stated. “When even the highest-ranking Jewish officials in Michigan feel unsafe participating, it raises alarm bells.”
Rabbis and other Jewish leaders in Michigan delivered a petition to the state’s Democratic Party leader on Monday asking him to “ensure the safety” of all Jewish delegates at the upcoming state party convention, highlighting their concerns over rising anti-Semitism in the state. pic.twitter.com/HkQ4VDXTa5
— Times of Israel (@TimesofIsrael) August 11, 2026
The petition signatories included five rabbis from the Reform, Conservative, and Humanist traditions, per the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
There have also been worries in the Jewish community following the primary win of Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed over Representative Haley Stevens. It’s worth noting that more than $30 million was spent by the pro-Israel lobby to support Stevens, who has been a vocal advocate for Israel.
Jewish organizations have called on El-Sayed to advocate for all communities throughout Michigan.
“We need to see an end to the tolerance of anti-Semitism within our democracy. Action is essential—this is not just about rhetoric,” remarked Haley Soifer, president of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, in a statement released on Friday.
Soifer urged El-Sayed to “support and defend” Attorney General Nessel and other Jewish Democrats. She also pointed fingers at El-Sayed’s supporters for fostering a “hostile environment” after they booed Stevens during the last Democratic convention in April.
The Michigan Jewish Democratic Caucus has emphasized that El-Sayed must take a stand against remarks that undermine Jewish civic identity.
Recently, a split occurred among House Democrats when 103 voted for an amendment to cut $3.3 billion in foreign aid to Israel, with only Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in support. Earlier, 37 Democrats similarly backed measures to decrease aid to Israel.
Opposition to Massie’s amendment came from members of the center-left New Democratic Party coalition, as well as Jewish lawmakers.
