Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL) called out Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul el Sayed for refusing to “condemn the words” of socialist Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, who recently made comments saying some Jews in the United States are “making antisemitism worse” with their support for Israel.
Schneider, a Jewish House Democrat and chairman of the center-left New Democrat Coalition, weighed in on Piker’s recent inflammatory remarks against Jews. The Twitch streamer said “eventually, someone is going to come around and take action … against American Jews” if they “keep putting this idea out there that they are singularly invested in Israel,” while discussing Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, who is Jewish.
“Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has so-far refused to condemn the words of Hasan Piker, his friend and frequent campaign surrogate,” wrote Schneider, a co-chairman of the congressional Jewish caucus. “It is disingenuous for El-Sayed to try to distance himself from Piker without specifically condemning, refuting, or even just rejecting Piker’s hurtful rhetoric.”
“Claiming that no one speaks for him except himself and his team is not enough,” he continued. “The Jewish community in Michigan deserved outright condemnation of rhetoric that threatens their safety and identity.”
Backlash from fellow Democrats for el Sayed’s ties to Piker comes as Michigan Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers and el Sayed are locked in a tight race to replace retiring Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), which could determine the Senate majority.
While the Michigan Democrat distanced himself from Piker in a statement, he did not outright denounce the streamer’s comments.
“I believe all Americans deserve the right to advocate for what they believe without fear of violence,” el Sayed said in a statement. “This is particularly true for communities that have been intimidated for their beliefs in the past.”
RASKIN TARGETS KUSHNER AFTER JEFFRIES TAKES HEAT FOR MEETING WITH TRUMP SON-IN-LAW
The Michigan Democrat said his “commitment to Jewish safety” is equal to his “commitment to the safety of my own daughters,” calling antisemitism “a scourge,” saying he stands “against any rhetoric that puts the community at risk.”
“But I want to be crystal clear, nobody speaks for this campaign besides me and my campaign spokespeople,” el Sayed said of Piker. “And while politicians and pundits try to make this race about a Twitch streamer, we’re going to be talking about gas, groceries, good schools, and healthcare. Because that’s what Michiganders keep asking about.”