Abdul El-Sayed Promises Jewish Voters He Will Fight Anti-Semitism — After Criticism Against ‘Arming’ Israel

Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed sought to reassure Jewish voters that he would “fight the fight against anti-semitism” on Wednesday after defending his calls to end U.S. military aid to Israel, accusing the country’s government of committing “genocide” and maintaining an “illegal apartheid” system.

Appearing on MS NOW’s Morning Joe after his projected victory in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, El-Sayed was pressed by co-host Willie Geist over his long-held opposition to unconditional military assistance for Israel, an issue that dominated the race after millions of dollars were spent attacking his candidacy.

Asked why he believes the U.S. should halt military aid to Israel, El-Sayed replied: “Yeah, look, I just don’t believe in unconditional foreign military aid. That includes Egypt, that also includes Israel.”

He argued that taxpayer money should be directed toward domestic priorities instead of overseas conflicts, adding: “Our money should be spent here, rather than sent in the form of bombs or tanks to foreign governments, particularly when they’re doing the most heinous things with them, as is the case with the government of Israel.”

El-Sayed also said Israel “has conducted a genocide, has at baseline done apartheid,” and argued that the United States should not continue funding its military.

When Geist asked whether his criticism was aimed at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or the state of Israel more broadly, El-Sayed responded that the issues were “inextricable,” adding that “we’ve been talking about an illegal apartheid regime for a very, very long time” and describing the Israeli government having become “so bloodthirsty under his reign.”

He argued his stance was anchored in a consistent backing of international law.

He continued: “But I also understand that it’s impossible for us to say that we want a two-state solution while aiding, arming and abetting the very people who have been trying to foreclose on the possibility of a Palestinian state.”

“And ultimately, in the end, I don’t think we pay our taxes so a foreign government gets a bomb or a tank. We pay our taxes so our kids get good schools and functional infrastructure, and too many of our kids just don’t have those things right now,” he added.

Geist then turned to Jewish voters who had backed his opponent Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) in the Democratic primary and asked what message El-Sayed had for those who may be uneasy with his views.

“My commitment to Jewish safety is the same as my commitment to the safety of my own kids,” El-Sayed said. “We have a responsibility to take on antisemitism in all of its forms, wherever we see it. It’s the same responsibility we have to take on islamophobia.”

He added: “So, as I’ve always said, to my Jewish sisters and brothers, I am looking forward to fighting the fight against anti-semitism and Islamophobia with you.”

Pressed one final time on whether he would end all U.S. military support for Israel, El-Sayed reiterated that his position was rooted in applying the same standard to all countries.

“I believe that we cannot continue to do unconditional foreign military aid,” he said, arguing that U.S. policy should follow the Leahy Laws by withholding weapons from countries accused of human rights abuses. He said he would apply that principle equally to Israel, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

NBC News projected Tuesday night that El-Sayed had defeated Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary after a race dominated by outside spending. With more than 95% of the expected vote counted, El-Sayed led Stevens 48.7% to 47.3%.

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spent more than $30 million backing Stevens, while outside groups collectively poured roughly $62 million into the race, giving her a substantial spending advantage over El-Sayed.

Watch above via MS NOW.

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