Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed expressed regret for earlier statements about the March incident at Temple Israel in suburban Detroit while addressing the state Democratic Party Jewish caucus during the convention on Saturday.

The Democratic nominee explained to attendees that his words after the attempted strike on the West Bloomfield synagogue preschool, including the phrase hurt people hurt people, aimed to supply background details.

Looking back, he remarked on Saturday that he had erred in his approach.

If my words brought distress, I apologize, as that was never my goal, El-Sayed went on. Pointing to his first response to the event, he noted that the initial condemnation should have stood alone without further additions.

El-Sayed first comments on Temple Israel, viewed by many Jewish residents as excusing the act, have distanced some Jewish supporters in Michigan. Following an early condemnation, he issued a follow-up that referenced Israels actions in Lebanon, where the perpetrator had family affected by an airstrike.

Fresh efforts to connect with voters

On Saturday, El-Sayed, a past county health official, maintained that providing context was fitting overall yet not right away, suggesting such exchanges belong in due course.

At times context cannot be grasped amid sharp pain or urgency, he observed. My aim was never to overlook that pain or to excuse any form of domestic violence, which remains unacceptable without exception.

The apology, prompted by a query from a Jewish Democrat present, arrived alongside renewed outreach to Jewish voters after El-Sayed secured the Democratic primary win earlier this month.

He intends to join a Sunday Jewish caucus event honoring state Attorney General Dana Nessel, with congressional candidate Jeremy Moss also expected, despite past differences on Jewish-related topics.

Recently El-Sayed has softened some criticisms of Israel during campaign stops and released a statement separating himself from former supporter Hasan Piker, a left-leaning anti-Israel commentator.

His acceptance speech that day included only a subtle nod to US backing for Israel, stressing that tax funds should support local families and schools rather than contribute to strikes elsewhere.

Yet doubt lingered among roughly 30 Jewish Democrats in attendance, including a delegate whose daughter and grandson were present at Temple Israel during the event.

Our security as Jews in America depends on statements from leaders and their public stance in support of the community, the delegate noted just before the apology.

Not every reply satisfied the group. When asked about backing the traditional Democratic stance on a two-state Middle East solution if elected, the candidate shifted focus.

Beginning with a fixed outcome and then seeking a path forward lacks sense, El-Sayed said. The priority should be a process that ensures equal rights, peace, dignity, and self-determination for both Palestinians and Jewish Israelis.

He reiterated openness to a two-state outcome if chosen by free populations on both sides, but noted that US policy under that framework has supported a government limiting such possibilities.

Some attendees remained uneasy with this view, though the apology itself received positive response.

I appreciated the apology for the misstatement, as we all have said things we later regret, remarked Rebecca Kasen, a Lansing-area Michigan Jewish Democrat. I felt less at ease with the comments on the two-state approach.

Overall Kasen reported an improved view of El-Sayed following the meeting due to the apology, moving from reluctant support to enthusiastic backing.

Senate contest could sway midterm balance

The Senate race may determine chamber control in a key midterm viewed as a judgment on President Donald Trump, placing state Jewish Democrats views under close watch for additional reasons. This has prompted some longtime Jewish Democratic voters to back Republican rival, former US Rep. Mike Rogers, and created tense moments at the convention.

Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit, the partys progressive Jewish nominee for state attorney general, told the caucus they would retain the office with a Michigan Jewish Democrat, while Nessel, the current Jewish holder, skipped the days activities.

Before the Saturday convention Nessel, the states top Jewish official, cited concerns over potential antisemitic targeting as reason for absence. In a recent Atlantic podcast she repeated worries about El-Sayed Temple Israel remarks and hoped for a retraction.

Nessels son Zach, secretary of the state Jewish Democratic caucus, attributed the absence to agitators who disrupted an earlier endorsement event. Saturday turnout was under one-third of the spring gathering, per organizers.

Zach Nessel faulted the state party for slow removal of those agitators and told JTA that Jewish members have cause for concern, adding that addressing issues requires participation.

Moss, a state senator recently involved in another El-Sayed dispute, appeared at the convention but skipped Jewish caucus sessions.

El-Sayed ally Amir Makled, a University of Michigan Board of Regents nominee and attorney for pro-Palestinian encampment participants who ousted a Jewish pro-Israel incumbent, addressed the caucus without referencing past social media activity, such as sharing content from far-right figure Candace Owens or praise for Hezbollah leaders.

Makled later speech at the nominating event referenced his encampment work, stating Michigan would avoid punishing students for speech that discomforts the powerful.

Between candidate interactions, Jewish caucus members voiced worries about their scrutinized role in midterms, focusing on safeguarding democracy and election integrity against Republican challenges while stressing the need to flip the Senate.

Yet engaging the broader Jewish community proved difficult given El-Sayed and other Democratic candidates positions. Michigan has about 100,000 Jewish residents, and the Senate race polls near even, making their support key.

How can we bring the community together to prioritize the nation, one participant asked. I struggle with that task.