A group of Jewish individuals in Denver, calling themselves "Jews for Melat," have come out in support of congressional candidate Melat Kiros, a socialist who has faced criticism from Jewish voters for her comments on the September 11, 2001, and October 7, 2023, terror attacks.
The group's leaders include a disability activist, a self-described rabbi, and other individuals who have expressed anti-Zionist views, with some arguing that anti-Zionism is consistent with Jewish values. The leaders of "Jews for Melat" have been involved in various activities, including organizing "liberatory" shabbat dinners and publishing video endorsements for Kiros.
One of the leaders, Al Cannington, has assailed disability rights organizations for their "silence on #Gaza" and has urged disabled people to call for a ceasefire in Israel-Palestine. Another leader, Michael Kengmana, a self-described rabbi, aims to create "a Judaism beyond Zionism" and has held anti-Zionist Shabbat services.
The group's support for Kiros has been criticized by some Jewish leaders, who have expressed concern over her comments and policies, particularly amid rising antisemitism. Kiros has been accused of making opposition to Israel central to her campaign, causing some of the people she hopes to represent to feel threatened by her rhetoric and policies.
The "Jews for Melat" leaders have also been present at violent events, including a high school walkout protesting ICE, which resulted in hospitalizations and arrests. The "Jews for Melat" coalition has been endorsed by the Colorado Palestine Coalition, which has also endorsed Kiros.