Democratic candidate for New York’s 10th Congressional District, former NYC comptroller Brad Lander, announced Wednesday that he has been released from Israel Defense Forces custody. Lander said he was detained while participating in an olive‑harvest mission with a group of rabbis and volunteers near the West Bank village of Nahalin, outside Bethlehem.
Detention and release
In a social‑media post, Lander wrote that he was let go with a “warning” and suggested his public profile influenced the decision. “I’ve been released from IDF custody with a ‘warning,’ apparently because of my public profile (I told them I wasn’t even a congressmember yet, just a nominee),” he said. He added that “several dozen rabbis & participants harvesting olives with me are still in detention.”
Why the volunteers were there
Lander and the volunteers were part of the “Protect the Harvest” coalition, which aims to support Palestinian farmers during the annual olive season and promote “human rights, safety, equality & freedom for both Palestinians and Israelis.” According to Rabbis for Human Rights, about 90 volunteers and activists were accompanying Palestinian farmers who had been unable to access their groves since the Oct. 7 conflict.
The group had been harvesting for roughly two hours when Israeli army, police and Border Police forces arrived, declared a 24‑hour closed military zone, and ordered everyone to leave. Although the volunteers complied, they were detained for identification before being taken to a police station. The organization said foreign nationals were separated from Israeli volunteers.
Lander’s response
In his post, Lander condemned the detentions, stating, “The occupation is a crime under international law. Harvesting olives isn’t a crime under any law I know.” He argued the arrests were intended to impede Palestinian farmers and noted that Palestinians face far harsher daily consequences. He called for the immediate release of those still held.
Rabbis for Human Rights Acting Executive Director Anton Goodman criticized the action, saying volunteers were simply assisting farmers on land they could not reach for years and that no one could have known about the military order before arriving.
Context and implications
The incident highlights ongoing tensions over Israeli military orders that restrict Palestinian agricultural activity. While the United States government has not issued a formal statement on this specific detention, the episode underscores the challenges faced by U.S. political figures who engage in humanitarian efforts abroad.
Brad Lander’s candidacy for the 10th District, a seat currently held by a Republican, has drawn national attention. His involvement in the West Bank olive harvest reflects a broader commitment to human‑rights advocacy, a stance that resonates with many progressive voters in the district.
As the election cycle intensifies, Lander’s experience may become a talking point in the campaign, illustrating his willingness to stand alongside marginalized communities even in contested regions.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
