Two Michigan Jewish leaders announced a public petition aimed at Democratic politicians that lays out what they call “Nonnegotiable Principles” for protecting Jewish people and affirming Israel’s status. The initiative comes amid concerns about a spike in antisemitic incidents and frustration among some congregants who say they do not feel their concerns are being heard.
What the petition demands
The effort, organized by rabbis from Detroit and Ann Arbor, centers on five specific objectives the signers want elected officials to endorse. The leaders said the petition is not intended to direct congregants on how to vote, but to ensure that candidates understand the priorities of members of the Jewish community.
- Safety for Jewish people
- Respect for Jewish identity
- Israel’s right to exist
- Jewish sovereignty in Israel
- Full participation of Jewish people in American politics
A small table summarizes those goals for clarity:
| Principle | Focus |
|---|---|
| Safety | Protect Jewish people from violence and vandalism |
| Respect | Uphold Jewish identity within public life |
| Israel's right to exist | Affirm the state's legitimacy |
| Jewish sovereignty | Support for self-determination in Israel |
| Full participation | Ensure Jewish Americans can engage openly in politics |
Leaders cite recent incidents and political rhetoric
Rabbi Aaron Starr of Congregation Shaarey Zedek told CBS News Detroit that community members have expressed anxiety about increasing antisemitic violence, vandalism and hostile rhetoric. He said some congregants have been asking religious leaders for voting guidance because they feel uncertain about the stance of political candidates.
"We've seen such a rise in antisemitic violence and vandalism and vitriol in this country, and over the last several weeks, in particular, we're having members of our community come to us and say, 'Rabbi, I don't know what to do. I don't know who to vote for,'"
Rabbi Whinston of Reform Temple Beth Emeth in Ann Arbor emphasized that while the petition lays out expectations for public officials, it does not dictate electoral choices for congregants. He said one purpose is to make clear to Democratic contenders that they should not take Jewish voters for granted.
Whinston also criticized language he said crossed a line during recent political debate. Referring to an appearance by Democratic candidate Dr. Abdul El-Sayed on national television after a primary, Whinston said a phrase used by the candidate struck him as harmful. "It's totally fair game to call out AIPAC, but the language around how you do that can't endanger the Jewish community," he said.
The two rabbis are among 16 clergy leaders organizing the petition — a group that includes 14 rabbis and two cantors. Both leaders told CBS Detroit they do not view the petition as an endorsement of any candidate; Whinston specifically said he is not supporting Mike Rogers, while stressing that the petition itself does not instruct congregants whom to support at the ballot box.
Response from the campaign
According to CBS Detroit reporting, Dr. El-Sayed issued a response Thursday evening. In his statement, he sought to distinguish his criticism of the Israeli government from any disrespect toward Jewish people, describing his remarks as directed at policy and political actors rather than the Jewish community.
The petition adds to ongoing debate within the Democratic coalition about how to address concerns of Jewish voters while also debating U.S. policy toward Israel and critiques of pro-Israel lobby groups. In Michigan — a perennial battleground state — such debates can carry particular electoral significance as candidates weigh both policy positions and messaging.
The organizers say their primary aim is to secure public commitments from Democratic officials to the five principles, and to ensure Jewish voices in Michigan are acknowledged and protected as the 2026 election cycle advances.
