El-Sayed’s strange Fox interview: Letters to the Editor — Aug. 31, 2026

The Issue: Abdul El-Sayed comparing circumcision to sex change surgery in a Fox News interview.

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s asking Jesse Watters, “Have you been circumcised?” should disqualify him (“Dem’s foolish hit below belt,” Bethany Mandel, Aug. 26).

His clumsy attempt to compare circumcision to sex-change surgery for minors is blatantly antisemitic demagoguery. It is well known that circumcision is a religiously mandated procedure performed on Jews soon after birth, and is generally advised for health reasons. It it far less drastic than the organ removals of sex change.

El-Sayed, as a doctor, is well aware of this. By using this crude ploy, he is trying to exploit the ignorance of the Michigan electorate and appeal to its antisemitic elements.

Stuart Ellison

Brooklyn

In his interview with Watters, El-Sayed also dodged his questions on the reasonableness of Shariah law in America by comparing it to Catholic canon law.

Putting all the anti-Israel, Jew-baiting dialogue aside, one is left with a very frightening image of Dr. El-Sayed running after little kids, lancet in hand.

Wake up, America, before it is too late!

Robert April

Manhattan

The Senate hopeful — a Muslim running in Michigan, the US state with the largest Muslim population — diminished his own cultural tradition and that of Jews, the people he targets for opprobrium, by making a peculiar comment about circumcision. He could not adequately comment on gender affirmation, one of the campaign’s signal issues.

Paul Bloustein

Cincinnati, Ohio

El-Sayed struck out in this interview. In his first swing, he compared circumcision to castration. How silly! Strike one.

In his second swing, he compared Catholic canon law with Sharia law. Canon law deals with the governance of the church, not societal or civil issues like Sharia law. Strike two.

Finally, he pushed for reparations for the debt black Americans are owed as a result of slavery, but failed to mention that since the Union suffered over 300,000 deaths, mostly white men, to free the slaves, the debt has been paid. Strike three.

Kenneth Fitzgerald

Hicksville

Hopefully there will be enough sane voters to not elect the likes of El-Sayed — the close friend of Hasan Piker, who’s the new No. 1 antisemite in America. The candidate also claims child mutilation is the same as circumcision.

The once-moderate Democrats are unrecognizable. This party is so desperate to control the Senate and Congress and will do anything to put American lives in mortal danger.

J.R. Cummings

Manhattan

The Issue: Iconic musician and philanthropist Dolly dying from cancer at age 80.

The story of Dolly Parton is the story of what can be accomplished in America (“Big hair & big heart,” Aug. 26).

It is the story of ambition realized. It is the story of a country that allows dreams to be actualized. It is the story of a woman who believed in living and giving.

Joel Glazer

Elizabeth, NJ

I’m not a fan of Dolly but I enjoy her music. I also enjoyed her acting, especially in “9 to 5.” I enjoyed her personality. Gee, I guess I was a fan.

Rest in peace, Dolly.

Charlie Honadel

Venice, Fla.

The Postal Service should immediately produce stamps featuring Dolly Parton’s image.

She was a wonderful lady whose music gave pleasure to millions during her six decades in show business. She also gave a lot of her money to charitable causes.

She deserves to be recognized now, rather than a few years down the line.

John Fair

Castlebar, Ireland

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