At the Michigan Democratic Party convention in Lansing, Senate nominee Abdul El‑Sayed publicly apologized to Jewish Democrats for a remark he made following the March attack on a synagogue in West Bloomfield Township. El‑Sayed said his comment – “hurt people hurt people” – was intended to explain a cycle of violence, not to justify the terrorist act.
Apology and clarification
Addressing the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, El‑Sayed told reporters, “My comments might have been misconstrued to be justifying something I did not intend to justify. To anybody who feels like my comments might have been hurtful, I’m really sorry. That was not my intention.” He added that the party “condemned that terrorist attack outright” and that he was merely trying to offer context, but recognized that the timing was inappropriate.
Details of the attack
The FBI classified the March incident as a “Hezbollah‑inspired act of terrorism” targeting the Jewish community. Ayman Ghazali, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Lebanon, rammed his vehicle into the West Bloomfield synagogue, exchanged gunfire with security officers, and then took his own life at the scene. Ghazali’s family had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon a week earlier.
Political backdrop
El‑Sayed, a progressive candidate, is seeking to win over skeptical Jewish voters as he prepares for a November showdown with Republican former Rep. Mike Rogers for the U.S. Senate seat. The race is seen as pivotal for determining which party will control the Senate majority.
Recent controversy with a left‑wing streamer
Earlier this week, El‑Sayed distanced himself from left‑wing streamer Hasan Piker, who suggested that American Jews’ support for Israel could exacerbate antisemitism and invite violence. Piker later clarified that his remarks were not meant to be antisemitic. El‑Sayed reiterated that “nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople,” and warned against making the race about a California streamer.
Reactions from Jewish Democrats
Attendees at the convention said El‑Sayed’s apology appeared sincere. Daniel Rivkin, a University of Michigan communications staffer and party delegate, noted, “That was the first time I’ve heard him say it in that explicit way.” Rivkin said further dialogue is needed and that the decision to further distance from Piker rests with El‑Sayed.
Upcoming engagement
El‑Sayed is scheduled to speak at the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus Summer Simcha, a private gathering where he will address concerns from Jewish Democrats, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, who previously criticized his response to the attack.
The apology underscores the candidate’s effort to bridge gaps with faith‑based voters while maintaining his progressive platform ahead of a critical Senate contest.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
