Michigan Democrats Face Divisive Convention Amid Antisemitism Concerns

Far-left activists seek to elevate anti-Israel voices within the party, alarming Jewish community members.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:00am

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A highly abstract, fragmented painting depicting the Michigan state capitol building in overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes of deep blue, forest green, and burnt orange, creating a sense of political unrest and division.As Michigan's Democratic Party faces a divisive convention, the specter of antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment threatens to reshape the political landscape.Dearborn Today

As Michigan's Jewish community recovers from a recent terrorist attack on a synagogue, a political battle is brewing within the state's Democratic Party. Far-left activists are attempting a coordinated takeover, making opposition to Israel's existence a litmus test for Democratic politics. This threatens to push the party in a more hostile direction towards the Jewish community, prompting concerns about the future of Michigan Jews' political home.

Why it matters

The Michigan Democratic Party's upcoming state convention could determine the direction of the party, with the potential to elevate candidates and policies that are deeply concerning to the state's Jewish community. This comes at a time when antisemitism is on the rise and the Jewish community is still reeling from a recent terrorist attack on a synagogue.

The details

The Michigan Democratic Party will hold its State Endorsement Convention on April 19, where registered Democrats can help decide the party's endorsements for key positions like secretary of state, attorney general, and university boards. Far-left activists, including figures like Rima Mohammad and Arika Lycan, are leading a well-funded and coordinated effort to take over the party, making opposition to Israel's existence a litmus test. They are backing candidates like Amir Makled, who was detained at the Detroit airport for alleged terrorist ties, and Abdul El-Sayed, who has excused a terrorist attack on a synagogue. These activists have a stronghold in Washtenaw County's Democratic apparatus and are rapidly expanding statewide, drawing comparisons to the 'Mamdani Wave' seen in New York City.

  • The Michigan Democratic Party will hold its State Endorsement Convention on April 19, 2026.
  • In October 2023, Rima Mohammad, as president of the school board, pressured the district to remove the word 'terrorist' from its statement about Hamas attacks on civilian communities in Israel.

The players

Rima Mohammad

Former president of the school board who pressured the district to remove the word 'terrorist' from its statement about Hamas attacks on civilian communities in Israel. She is now the membership chair of the Washtenaw County Democratic Party and co-founder of The People's Coalition, a well-funded political operation backing Islamo-Socialist candidates statewide.

Arika Lycan

Co-founder of The People's Coalition, a well-funded political operation backing Islamo-Socialist candidates statewide. She claims Jewish identity while spreading anti-Israel propaganda.

Amir Makled

An attorney in Dearborn, Michigan, running for University of Michigan Board of Regents against Jewish incumbent Jordan Acker. Makled was detained at the Detroit airport last year for alleged terrorist ties, which his supporters reframe as an attack on his pro-Palestinian speech.

Abdul El-Sayed

A candidate challenging pro-Israel Democrat Haley Stevens for a Senate seat. El-Sayed has excused a terrorist attack on a synagogue by claiming the perpetrator was acting out of 'displaced grief' over 'innocent' family members killed in an Israeli airstrike, while omitting that those family members were Hezbollah operatives.

Rashida Tlaib

A member of the 'Squad' in the U.S. House of Representatives, who has been seen at events with The People's Coalition across Michigan, strategically draped in a keffiyeh, a symbol of Palestinian 'resistance'.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.