Abdul El-Sayed, a physician and champion of public health, is gaining momentum in his bid to win the Democratic nomination for Michigan’s Senate race. Despite a relentless $54 million spending campaign by AIPAC, which supports his rival, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, El-Sayed’s race has emerged as a focal point of a growing Democratic divide over the party’s stance toward Israel. The battle isn’t just about politics—it reflects a broader shift in values, as voters weigh loyalty to traditional allies against calls for accountability and reform.
For Suehaila Amen, a prominent activist in Dearborn, Michigan, the Senate race is not just a political contest—it’s a deeply emotional struggle. Her ancestral home in Bint Jbail, a town in southern Lebanon, is being systematically wiped out by Israeli military actions. She described the profound sorrow of watching her birthplace vanish. 'Even in speaking about this, I’m overwhelmed with emotion and brought to tears,' Amen said, reflecting the anguish of many in the Arab American community.
Dearborn rally reflects a groundswell of hope
A recent campaign stop in Dearborn, often described as the 'capital of Arab America,' drew strong support for El-Sayed. The event, held at the Bint Jebail Cultural Center, served as a platform for local voices to express their anger toward AIPAC and their hope for a candidate who truly represents them. Abbas Alawieh, a state Senate candidate and former congressional aide, shared the stage. Born near Bint Jbail, his family’s roots are deeply tied to the town that Israeli forces are now destroying house by house.
Alawieh praised El-Sayed for his promise to bring attention to domestic priorities, especially universal healthcare. 'We have the power to deliver Medicare for All,' he declared, sparking loud applause from the crowd. Volunteers held up signs with the message 'Small business for Abdul,' a familiar sight across Dearborn. The sentiment is clear: El-Sayed is seen as a candidate who listens to the community and stands for their future.
Foreign policy as a domestic issue
Congresswoman Stevens has accused El-Sayed of overemphasizing foreign policy in his campaign. But El-Sayed views the issue as inherently domestic. 'We spend far too much on endless wars that benefit a few, while neglecting our own people here at home,' he said in a recent statement. His criticism of U.S. military involvement in conflicts like the war on Iran echoes broader concerns among voters who believe American tax dollars should be spent on healthcare, housing, and education instead.
For many Arab Americans in Michigan, the debate over U.S. support for Israel is more than just politics. It is deeply personal. Suehaila Amen described El-Sayed as a 'beacon of hope' in an otherwise bleak moment for her community. 'This is a country where candidates should be putting their people first,' she said, reflecting the hopes of a community that has long felt ignored.
Alawieh reiterated the significance of the Dearborn rally, noting that the cultural center is a symbol of resilience and identity. 'Bint Jbail is not far away,' he said. 'It’s here with us.' He described how Israeli forces recently destroyed a school once led by his grandfather, a place where his mother and uncles once studied. 'The war is not just a distance from here. It’s right in our hearts,' he said, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
As the race continues, the question remains whether El-Sayed’s campaign can turn grassroots support into a full-fledged victory. But for many in Dearborn and beyond, the election is about more than just winning. It’s about sending a message to the political establishment and to the world. 'We want to show that not everyone in America aligns with Israel’s interests,' Amen said. 'We want a future that puts our people first.'