El-Sayed Campaign Took Over $115K From Hamas Linked Donors

El-Sayed CAIR donations are drawing new scrutiny after a Fox News Digital review said Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan Senate campaign received more than $115,000 from people connected to the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

According to the report, 41 donors either work for CAIR, formerly worked for CAIR, or have held leadership positions in the organization. El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan, has already faced criticism over his anti-Israel positions.

The report described CAIR as an organization allegedly linked to Hamas. The United Arab Emirates designated CAIR as a terrorist organization in 2014, while Texas and Florida have taken state-level action against CAIR in recent years. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Texas designated CAIR under state law, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced state executive action targeting CAIR as a terrorist organization.

However, CAIR denies ties to terrorism, and the group is not designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. federal government.

The Tanakh says, “You shall not put a stumbling block before the blind.” That verse gives this story its frame. Voters deserve clarity about who funds candidates, what those networks represent, and how those ties may shape policy.

El-Sayed CAIR Donations

The most controversial donor named in the report was CAIR CEO Nihad Awad.

Awad drew widespread condemnation after he said he was “happy” to see Hamas “break out” from Gaza on October 7, 2023. He also claimed that Israel had “no right to self-defense” because he described it as an occupying power.

For Israel, that statement is not a normal policy disagreement. October 7 was a massacre of disagreement. October 7 was a massacre of civilians, families, soldiers, and communities. Any public figure who celebrates Hamas breaking out of Gaza raises serious moral and security concerns.

For the United States, the issue is campaign accountability. A Senate candidate does not only debate domestic policy. A senator votes on military aid, foreign policy, sanctions, arms sales, and America’s posture toward Israel and hostile regimes.

Michigan And The Israel Question

This story connects directly to “Trump Claims El-Sayed Win Is Good News For Republicans.” Trump called Abdul El-Sayed’s projected Michigan Senate primary win good news for Republicans, arguing his anti-Israel record could help the GOP in November.

Trump’s view was that Democrats had nominated a candidate too extreme for the general election. The CAIR-linked donations may now give Republicans a concrete line of attack: El-Sayed is not only rhetorically hostile to Israel, but also financially backed by figures tied to a deeply controversial organization.

For Democrats, the risk is clear. Anti-Israel politics may energize part of the progressive base, but they can also alienate pro-Israel voters, Jewish voters, independents, and national security-focused Democrats.

For Israel, the stakes go beyond Michigan. If a candidate with this record reaches the Senate, Jerusalem will face another influential American lawmaker likely to pressure Israel while minimizing the threats it faces from Hamas and Iran-backed forces.

Covenant Of Clean Hands And Clear Allies

The United States and Israel share a covenantal understanding before God rooted in truth, moral responsibility, defense of life, and the rejection of terror.

America’s covenantal tradition emphasizes liberty under God, public integrity, and leadership accountable to the people. Israel’s covenant is ancient and unique, rooted in the God of Israel, Torah, Jewish peoplehood, sovereignty, and return to the land. The United States must know who funds candidates seeking power over foreign policy. Israel must know whether future U.S. leaders understand the difference between defending civilians and excusing Hamas.

Ultimately, the El-Sayed donor report raises a direct question for Michigan voters and Washington policymakers. Can a candidate who draws support from CAIR-linked figures and takes fierce anti-Israel positions be trusted to protect the U.S.-Israel alliance?

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