The Israel-Hamas war is personal for many Michigan residents with ties to the region. Some voters are using their participation in the Democratic primary as a protest vote against President Biden.
AILSA CHANG, HOST:
In Michigan’s 12th Congressional District, some of the state’s largest Jewish and Muslim communities have personally felt ripples from the Israel-Hamas war. That has led members of both groups to put sometimes conflicting pressure on elected leaders. Colin Jackson of the Michigan Public Radio Network reports.
COLIN JACKSON, BYLINE: When driving north on the freeway coming from Detroit, you may notice Congregation Shaarey Zedek – a synagogue in the suburb of Southfield – out the window. It’s where Rabbi Aaron Starr hosted several of Michigan’s political leaders for a healing moment after the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel. Some 1,200 people were killed in that assault, and Hamas militants continue to hold hostages.
AARON STARR: There was so much leadership that really was speaking out about Israel’s right to defend itself and our need to protect Jews everywhere around the world, that Jews shouldn’t have to live in fear.
JACKSON: One leader who did not attend the gathering was Starr’s own congresswoman, Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib. Starr says he reached out to her office following the October 7 attack. Several weeks later, he says they had a polite conversation. But he thinks Tlaib’s remarks around Israel’s response have been divisive.
STARR: No one that I’m aware of in the Jewish community, at least none of the Jewish leaders, claim that Israel is perfect. But we do think that Israel has a right to defend itself. And I would love to engage in conversation with the congresswoman on a deeper level.
JACKSON: Tlaib’s leaves office did not grant requests for an interview with NPR. Last November, the GOP-led House censured her for using rhetoric critics described as hateful. They pointed in part…
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