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NY congressional nominee Brad Lander says he was detained by the IDF in the West Bank
New York Post • • world
Key Points:
- Brad Lander, a congressional nominee and former New York City Comptroller, was detained by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) while participating in an olive harvest near Nehalim in the West Bank, alongside rabbis and volunteers.
- Lander, a progressive Jewish candidate running for New York’s 10th Congressional District, has been a vocal critic of Israel, opposing unconditional military aid and accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
- Rabbis for Human Rights confirmed the detention of Lander and about 90 other volunteers, stating the area was declared a military zone for the day, and that the IDF removed and checked the group despite their willingness to leave voluntarily.
- Lander’s visit aimed to assist Palestinian farmers and highlight conditions under Israeli occupation, which he and others argue undermines Israel’s status as a genuine democracy.
- Similar incidents have occurred with other progressive politicians; for instance, Rep. Ro Khanna was detained by Israeli authorities in July while visiting a Palestinian village.
