A Democratic candidate criticizes Israel and affirms his commitment to the security of the Jewish community

“Judaism and the Jewish people are not the same thing as Israel and the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC),” Al-Sayed said, adding: “We must be very careful not to allow what are fair criticisms of the Israeli government to then be reflected back on Judaism or the Jewish people anywhere.”

This position comes in the context of an election campaign characterized by sharp positions, as Al-Sayed was subjected to a personal attack from US President Donald Trump, who described him during an election rally in Las Vegas as “a man full of hatred, who hates Jews and Israel,” and used obscene words against him. Al-Sayed responded to these accusations with one message: “My commitment to the security of the Jewish community is the same as my commitment to the security of my daughters.”

Al-Sayed, an Egyptian doctor and former public health resident, is one of the most prominent voices critical of Israeli policies in the Democratic Party, describing what is happening in Gaza as genocide and calling for cutting off US military aid to Israel. He also particularly criticizes AIPAC's influence in American politics and the access of political lobbying funds to the democratic process.

Al-Sayyed won the Democratic Party nomination last August, defeating his rival supported by the party establishment, in a result that observers described as a surprise that gave an impetus to the American left.

In next November's elections, he will face Republican candidate Mike Rogers, in a battle seen as one of the most prominent and decisive battles for control of the Senate.