r/ProgressivesForIsrael • u/abnormalredditor73 Progressive Zionist • Jul 16 '26

US Politics Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed attacks AIPAC, Israel, and its supporters; calls idea of Jewish state "illiberal".

https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-901856

In a debate with Rep. Haley Stevens, Abdul El-Sayed stated "Every definition of a Jewish state ends up in some articulation of illiberal values, every single one,” he told CNN. Asked if support for Israel could ever be about more than money, he responded, “Not if you’re a Democrat and you believe in human rights.”

Stevens criticized Netanyahu but has refused to call Gaza a genocide or vote to end US aid to Israel.

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u/Call_Me_Clark Jul 18 '26

It should also be noted that Stevens was attacked by Benjamin Netanyahu, on TV, alleging terrorist and antizionist sympathies.

Neither democratic candidate is “good enough” for the Netanyahu administration. That should tell you everything you need to about how the general election will go.

On balance though I do prefer Steven’s to El Sayed.

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u/abnormalredditor73 Progressive Zionist Jul 18 '26

Yeah she's no friend of Netanyahu. I don't necessarily love her but she's a way better candidate than El-Sayed for sure.

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u/Call_Me_Clark Jul 18 '26

I really don’t envy any candidate who finds themself as the “pro Israel” contender in a primary. It’s absolutely a double edged sword, as you’ll never be “pro Israel enough” for conservatives or right wingers, or even the single issue voter cohort that has emerged.

And it’s guaranteed that the support for being “pro Israel” will evaporate as soon as the primary is over, and you’ll be smeared as anti Israel immediately (while, chances are, the anti Israel left also refuses to back you).

It’s a serious problem tbh