CURE spends on pro-Israel signage in key Michigan cities

The Center for Urban Renewal and Education has paid for yard signs and billboards in Detroit, Flint, and Ypsilanti to promote support for Israel among Black voters. The Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit launched the displays during the final week of the Michigan Senate race. The signs feature messages of Black-Jewish solidarity and do not name specific candidates.

Star Parker, the director of CURE, said the campaign aims to remind Black Christian voters of historical reasons to back Israel. The billboards specifically defend Israel’s right to exist and argue that self-defense should not be labeled as genocide. The organization hosted an interfaith roundtable in Detroit on Oct. 22, where Black pastors and Rabbi Aaron Bergman of Adat Shalom in Farmington Hills discussed community alliances. Bergman stated the event focused on educating participants about antisemitism rather than politics.

The timing of the advertising coincides with challenges for Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed in retaining support from both Jewish and Black constituencies. El-Sayed’s previous comments on Israel have alienated some Jewish voters. While a Detroit News poll suggested 87% of likely Black voters support El-Sayed, many in Detroit backed Republican nominee Mike Rogers or his primary opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens, during the earlier contest. Rogers has targeted both groups with ads emphasizing local friction between Black and Arab communities. A super PAC linked to Rogers has also spent heavily on ads accusing El-Sayed of dishonesty toward Black voters.

Sam Robinson, a Detroit reporter for a historic Black newspaper, noted that some voter distrust arises from perceptions that Arab communities are claiming resources meant for Black residents. El-Sayed has responded by devoting his closing campaign to church visits and events with former President Barack Obama and Rep. Jim Clyburn. Turnout in Black communities remains central to his chances of winning the seat.

Rep. Haley Stevens added a variable to the race by endorsing Rogers late in the campaign. Parker told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency she expects many Black Christian voters to follow Stevens in supporting Rogers. Other recent elections indicate a shift in priorities for some Michigan Black voters. In August, pro-Palestinian state Rep. Donavan McKinney defeated a pro-Israel incumbent in a congressional primary in a majority-Black district near Detroit. A Black community organizer also questioned Stevens on her support for Israel during a primary campaign stop.

The race concludes as both candidates finalize their outreach efforts. El-Sayed continues to prioritize Black church networks, while Rogers maintains his advertising push. The CURE signs remain visible in key urban centers across the state.