Michigan

Over 2,000 UMich students, staff, alumni back professor for praising anti-Israel activists

A Monday petition signed by 754 alumni echoed the first letter's demands, calling on Grasso to pledge to protect free speech, free expression, and institutional neutrality.

MAY 6, 2026|ByMICHAEL STARR

University of Michigan professor Derek Peterson praises campus pro-Palestinian protesters during his commencement speech in Ann Arbor, Michigan, May 2, 2026.

Students protest in support of Palestine during the University of Michigan's Spring Commencement ceremony on May 4, 2024; file photo.

Michigan University professor praises anti-Israel student activists in commencement speech

Peterson allegedly deviated from his remarks, and according to UMich President Domenico Grasso did not represent the institutional position of neutrality.

MAY 4, 2026|ByMICHAEL STARR

Michigan Democrats nominate Eli Savit, progressive Jewish prosecutor, for state attorney general

Eli Savit beat out another county prosecutor for the chance to succeed Dana Nessel, the state’s current AG, who is also a Jewish Democrat.

APRIL 21, 2026|ByANDREW LAPIN/JTA

Amir Makled, a pro-Palestinian candidate for University of Michigan board of regents, addresses the crowd at a rally for U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Ann Arbor, April 7, 2026. Makled, who had praised Hezbollah's leader in a past social media post, bested Jewish incumbent regent

Michigan Democrats back pro-Palestinian candidate for university board

Amid national polls showing that Democratic voters largely disapprove of Israel, Makled’s selection adds to signals that the pro-Palestinian wing of the party appears to be ascendant in Michigan.

APRIL 21, 2026|ByANDREW LAPIN/JTA

Michigan's 100,000 'uncommitted' votes show Israel impact on Biden

About 13.2% of Michigan Democrats cast a ballot for "uncommitted" in the primary, following a weeks-long push by activists.

FEBRUARY 28, 2024ByREUTERS

Palestinian-American congresswoman Rashida Tlaib attends a pro-Palestinian protest in Dearborn, Michigan, US, May 16, 2021.

'Uncommitted' protest vote against Biden in Mich. primary receives over 15% of vote

Michigan is expected to play a decisive role in the head-to-head Nov. 5 US presidential election, a likely rematch between Biden and Trump.

FEBRUARY 28, 2024ByHANNAH SARISOHN, REUTERS

REP. RASHIDA TLAIB (D-Michigan) speaks at a climate rally in Iowa in January.

Biden reaches out to Michigan's Arab-American community amid Gaza war

The Biden administration is making overtures to Arab-Americans in Dearborn, Michigan in an effort to solidify the Arab vote while maintaining support for Israel.

FEBRUARY 27, 2024ByHANNAH SARISOHN

Members of the Jewish Voice for Peace group and allies rally in support of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, during a protest in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., November 7, 2023.

Rashida Tlaib casts 'uncommitted' vote in Michigan primary protesting Biden's Israel policies

Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, represents a district with the highest population of Middle East and North African people in the country.

FEBRUARY 27, 2024ByHANNAH SARISOHN

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) addresses attendees as she takes part in a protest calling for a ceasefire in Gaza outside the U.S. Capitol

Jewish students at University of Michigan strive for interfaith, inter-political dialogue

Resolutions against Israel further increased divisions on campus.

FEBRUARY 25, 2024ByHANNAH SARISOHN

TWO INSTRUCTORS from the University of Michigan denied recommendation letters for a study abroad program because the students’ preferred destination was Israel

Michigan's Arab American, left-wing communities vow 'uncommitted' against Biden in upcoming primary

"Michigan voters are sending Biden a clear message in the February 27 Democratic primary that he can count us out.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024ByHANNAH SARISOHN

A Palestinian state is Biden's only hope to beat Trump in Michigan - opinion

The Biden administration’s fixation with getting Israel to capitulate and agree to a Palestinian state has gone far beyond persistence and has now entered the realm of obsession.

JANUARY 27, 2024ByMICHAEL FREUND