Michigan Democrats Clash Over Hasan Piker's Comments on Jewish Support for Israel
Left-wing streamer Hasan Piker warned that U.S. Jews' support for Israel could provoke violence, prompting condemnation from Michigan Democratic officials and sparking a dispute over the remarks.
During a livestream on Aug. 20, streamer Hasan Piker said that if American Jews continue to be perceived as singularly invested in Israel, "someone’s going to come around and take action, not against the state of Israel – mind you – but against American Jews." Piker made the comment while discussing an audio recording that allegedly captured Democratic state Sen. Jeremy Moss saying his career’s purpose is to ensure U.S. support for Israel. Moss, who is Jewish and the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, denied the statement and said the recording was fabricated.
Rep. Hillary Scholten, a Michigan Democrat, denounced Piker’s remarks as a threat toward Moss and American Jews, calling the comments "unacceptable." She also criticized Piker’s influence on politics, describing his rhetoric as harmful. Piker responded on X, suggesting Scholten was defaming an anti-Zionist voice to affect Senate race dynamics.
Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers echoed criticism, urging Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed to disavow Piker. El-Sayed, who has not fully aligned with Piker, issued a statement distancing himself from the streamer’s comments, condemning antisemitism and emphasizing policy issues such as gas prices, education and health care.
The dispute occurs amid a competitive Michigan Senate race, which could be pivotal for control of the U.S. Senate.