The New York Times reports:

A group of Jewish voters in Michigan is urging support for Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the state’s Democratic nominee for Senate, in an open letter that acknowledges concerns among some Jewish voters about his candidacy and his criticism of Israel.

The letter, signed by more than 500 people who identify as Jewish leaders or voters in the state, says that the election of Dr. El-Sayed, a staunch critic of Israel, is “clearly the better choice for Jews” compared with his Republican opponent, former Representative Mike Rogers.

“Some of us are enthusiastic supporters of El-Sayed,” the letter, published on Wednesday, reads. “Some of us have reservations: There are disagreements with El-Sayed on important issues, including aspects of his approach to Israel and the language used by some of his allies. These concerns remain serious for many of us, and we will vote for El-Sayed.”

It comes after a coalition of Michigan rabbis and Jewish leaders warned in a petition drive last week that they would withhold their support for Dr. El-Sayed if he did not change his tone and rhetoric on Israel, and as the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus continues to withhold an endorsement from its party’s nominee.

The signers of Wednesday’s letter wrote that Dr. El-Sayed would provide a check on President Trump’s power and champion positions they supported on health care, democracy and voting rights, abortion access, public schools, immigration and social welfare. [Continue reading…]