Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Dr. Abdul El-Sayed visited a Jewish home for Rosh Hashanah last week in the wake of widespread controversy surrounding his stance on Israel and allegations of antisemitism made against him.
In a video posted on X/Twitter on Sunday, El-Sayed is seen visiting Elaine and Missy, a Jewish mother and daughter who are "lifelong Michiganders."
"We talked about the work we can do together to build a more just and peaceful future for our communities here in Michigan," El-Sayed wrote in the post, adding "Shana tova and shavua tov!"
The video shows no discussion of El-Sayed's position on Israel or controversial past statements he has made. Instead, the conversation focuses mainly on the food.
El-Sayed complimented Elaine's kugel, based on her grandmother's recipe, saying that it was "just sweet but not overpoweringly sweet."
Elaine also recited the blessing over fruit as the group dipped apples into honey, as per the Rosh Hashanah tradition.
Toward the end of the video, Missy told El-Sayed that she likes "all the things that you stand for, especially the healthcare part."
El-Sayed meets with rabbis in an effort to repair relations with Jewish voters
El-Sayed has sought to mend relations with Jewish voters in the state in recent months, though his opposition to a two-state solution in Israel, along with past controversies involving anti-Israel streamer Hasan Piker and his response to the attack on the Detroit-area Temple Israel, have rendered his candidacy polarizing to the community.
Recently, El-Sayed held an unpublicized meeting with rabbis at Temple Israel, weeks after apologizing for his earlier remarks in which he appeared to equivocate about condemning the March attack, according to a report in Jewish Insider.
More than 600 Michigan Jews have also signed an open letter pledging to vote for El-Sayed for the US Senate, seeking to grow the Democratic candidate’s rocky Jewish support in what is expected to be a close and pivotal election.
Andrew Lapin contributed to this report.