Anti-Israel Donors Fund Divergent US Political Campaigns

Nearly 20 donors have collectively contributed over $61,000 to the campaigns of Abdul El-Sayed, a Muslim Democrat running for the U.S. Senate in Michigan, and Dan Bilzerian, who previously ran for Congress as a Republican. Despite their differing political stances, both candidates have been vocal critics of U.S. support for Israel and have called for an end to all aid to the country. Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings reveal these shared contributions, with El-Sayed receiving approximately $38,600 and Bilzerian about $23,100.

Among the notable donors are prominent critics of Israel. Lawyer Ibrahim Awad from Georgia, who has donated thousands to both campaigns, previously compared Israel's actions in Gaza to the Holocaust on a podcast. Businessman Hussein "Sam" Makrouk also contributed to both candidates and separately donated $400,000 to a lobby established to oppose AIPAC.

Another shared donor is Muhi Khawaja, a co-founder of the Muslim American Community Foundation. Makrouk clarified that his donations do not signify full endorsement of the candidates' positions, stating, "I have donated to many projects and candidates over the years. A donation should not be interpreted as an expression of support for every position held by a candidate or organization."

Bilzerian, who lost his primary bid to Randy Fine, conducted a campaign that included antisemitic rhetoric. In a statement to Fox News Digital, Bilzerian asserted, "Jewish supremacy is the greatest threat to the world today."