Sharif Street, Israel & Philadelphia’s Congressional Race: A Deep Dive

Philadelphia is poised to become a key testing ground for voter sentiment on Israel and Palestine as the race for the 3rd Congressional District unfolds. The contest, to replace retiring Rep. Dwight Evans, features a crowded field of candidates, including Democratic state Sen. Sharif Street, who is walking a tightrope on the issue.

Street, who would be the first Muslim congressman from Pennsylvania if elected, has articulated views on Israel that range from moderate to evasive, a position that has drawn criticism from some progressive Muslim organizers in Philadelphia. Yusuf Abdul Hameed, a supporter of the Philadelphia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said many in the community “may like Street personally,” but are “upset because of his lack of courage to really condemn Israel for what clearly was a genocide.” Hameed is backing Pennsylvania state Rep. Chris Rabb, a more outspoken critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The complexities of Philadelphia’s electorate – a large and diverse population with significant Muslim and Jewish communities – are at play. Voters are grappling with how to balance concerns about international policy with domestic issues as the midterm elections approach under President Donald Trump’s second, non-consecutive term.

Street’s campaign website does not detail specific Israel policies. His stance has largely been revealed through past statements made as chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party following the October 7, 2023, attacks. This vagueness has raised questions about potential campaign funding from groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

“I recognize that there won’t be peace for the state of Israel without peace for the Palestinian people, but there won’t be peace for the Palestinian people unless there’s peace for the state of Israel at some point,” Street told the Philadelphia Inquirer last month.

Supporters of Street, like Salima Suswell, an organizer in Philadelphia’s Black Muslim community, emphasize his leadership and responsiveness to the needs of the community. She acknowledged the solidarity within the Black Muslim community with Palestinians in Gaza, but expressed confidence in Street’s ability to advocate for residents both domestically and abroad.

Philadelphia’s unique demographics – a large population of Black residents who converted to Islam in the 1960s, alongside a sizable Jewish community with varying views on Israel – create a challenging landscape for groups like AIPAC, which are seeking to influence midterm races without attracting undue negative attention.

AIPAC has not publicly endorsed a candidate in the 3rd Congressional District race. However, Street briefly benefited from a fundraising page hosted by the Pro-Israel Network, a group that AIPAC has used to direct donations to other candidates. The page was removed after it came to the attention of progressive circles in Philadelphia.

Street’s campaign stated they were unaware of the page and did not seek the group’s endorsement or receive any contributions through it. “Sharif is not seeking AIPAC’s endorsement, and we weren’t aware of the Pro-Israel Network page until folks showed it to us. We didn’t coordinate with that group and haven’t received any funding from it,” said campaign spokesperson Anthony Campisi.

Beth Miller, political director for Jewish Voice for Peace Action, hopes the Street campaign will distance itself from such groups. “Pro-genocide groups like AIPAC are directly at odds with what Democratic voters want,” she said. “The overwhelming majority of Democratic voters have made it clear that they want the U.S. To stop funding Israel’s atrocities against Palestinians.”

Ahmet Selim Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR-Philadelphia, noted that many in the Philadelphia community view the Israel-Palestine issue as a broader reflection of rights and freedoms, and are seeking accountability from politicians.

While CAIR-Philadelphia cannot endorse a candidate, Tekelioglu is personally volunteering for Rabb. The national political arm, CAIR Action, plans to endorse in the race but has not yet announced its pick.

Hameed, a long-time member of the Nation of Islam, said that simply sharing race or religion with a candidate wasn’t enough to earn his vote, and criticized Black Democrats who have accepted support from AIPAC. “These people support Israel, and they’re getting money from AIPAC, and they’re complicit with genocide,” he said.

During a candidate forum in December, Street was asked about supporting legislation to block arms sales to Israel, but said the allotted time wasn’t sufficient to address such a complex issue.

“If we’re gonna do this topic justice, talking about peace in the Middle East is not really a one-minute answer,” Street said. “Catchy soundbites sound good, but they don’t save lives.”

Rabb, during another forum in January, was more direct, stating, “Fuck AIPAC.” He is also running on a platform of rejecting corporate PAC money and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Street and Rabb are competing in a field of over 10 candidates. As of February 2026, Street is leading in fundraising with over $700,000 raised, followed by Dr. David Oxman ($497,000, including $175,000 self-funded), Dr. Ala Stanford ($467,000), and Rabb ($384,000).

Muslims United PAC has endorsed Rabb, citing his explicit criticism of the situation in Gaza. Progressive groups have been slowly endorsing Rabb, including Philadelphia’s chapter of Democratic Socialists of America and the Sunrise Movement.

Both Street and Rabb are seeking the endorsement of the Working Families Party, A New Policy, and CAIR Action, which are expected to announce their picks in the coming weeks. Street has endorsements from the Philadelphia Democratic Party, the Muslim League of Voters of the Delaware Valley, and several local labor unions.