I live in Detroit, Michigan, where I am part of a Jewish community that inspires, strengthens, and grounds me everyday. I’ve also been on staff at Bend the Arc for 12 years, and I want to share with you how Bend the Arc is resourcing my community in this critical moment.
No matter where you live, you’re probably hearing about Michigan’s Senate race — a race that reflects painful divisions in our diverse Jewish community.
Since Dr. Abdul El-Sayed won his primary in August, a grassroots coalition of Jewish leaders and activists here in Michigan have come together to bridge these divides and bring our community together to fight for our democracy this November. Being part of this coalition has been some of the most powerful work I’ve been a part of, especially with help from Bend the Arc.
Last week, Bend the Arc helped us launch www.MIJewsForDemocracy.org, featuring our letter with 800+ signatures (and growing!) from Jewish Michigan voters who support Abdul. The New York Times just covered the launch with a feature-length article!1,2
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Our movement needs Bend the Arc in moments like this: bringing decades of collective experience in community organizing, media, and navigating difficult political moments in the Jewish community. You can support this critical work with a gift here. |
I am deeply inspired by all of the signatories on this letter and especially Jewish leaders like former Representative Sander Levin. They know that even if they have disagreements with Abdul about Israel/Palestine, it shouldn’t and won’t overshadow agreement with him on a large range of issues, like the future of our democracy.3
As our Michigan Jews for Democracy letter states:
“We understand that a vote is not a valentine; it’s a strategic chess move…
As Jews and Americans, we believe in accessible science-based healthcare, democracy and voting rights, access to abortion, public schools, immigrant justice, and the rigorous protection of vulnerable residents. We are excited to elect a Senator who will champion these values.”
The reality is that the Michigan Senate race is make-or-break for the balance of power in Washington. And with more than 130,000 Jewish voters in Michigan, the Senate within reach for Democrats, and the urgent need for a check on Trump’s power, this race matters for all our Jewish communities.4,5
In this race and beyond, Bend the Arc is playing an essential role in holding our Jewish communities together amidst efforts to divide us, organizing American Jews on the domestic issues we overwhelmingly agree on, and building a winning coalition with the governing power we need to renew our democracy.
If you want to help support Bend the Arc’s work in this year’s most urgent races, here are two ways you can take action:
Share www.MIJewsForDemocracy.org with any Jewish Michigan voters you know, and encourage them to add their name to the letter.
Help power this urgent swing-state organizing with a gift of $5, $10, or $18. Your gift will help us do even more to protect our democracy and defeat MAGA Republicans like Mike Rogers in the critical weeks between now and Election Day.
Thank you for doing this deep work with us — the reflection, repair, and resilience we need to defeat Trump’s authoritarian movement and renew our democracy.
In solidarity,
Adina Alpert
Michigan Organizer & Bend the Arc Staff Member
Sources:
1. Sign On: Michigan Jews for Democracy
3. Jewish Leaders in Michigan Urge Support for El-Sayed’s Senate Bid, The New York Times
2. Former congressman Sander Levin endorses El-Sayed for U.S. Senate in Michigan, The Washington Post
4. 12 key races that will determine who controls the Senate, CBS News
5. September 2024 Analysis of National Survey of Jewish Voters, Jewish Electoral Institute
