Former NYC Comptroller Brad Lander says he was detained by Israel Defense Forces in West Bank
In an Instagram post, the former New York City comptroller said he was later released, writing, "I've been released from IDF custody with a 'warning.'"
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Brad Lander, the Democratic nominee for New York's 10th Congressional District, says he was detained by Israeli forces Wednesday while helping Palestinian farmers harvest olives in the West Bank.
In an Instagram post, the former New York City comptroller said he was later released, writing, "I've been released from IDF custody with a 'warning.'"
In another Instagram post, Lander said he was detained alongside rabbis and volunteers near the village of Nahalin, outside Bethlehem.
New Jewish Narrative, an advocacy organization, said at least 33 American citizens were among those detained.
The organization said volunteers had been harvesting for about two hours before Israeli forces declared the area a closed military zone and detained them.
In an earlier post, Lander said he joined the coalition to support Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest and draw attention to threats facing their communities.
"Our goals for the trip are to help protect the olive harvest, and to shed a light on the reality of the occupation," Lander wrote in a post on X.
Lander has repeatedly described Israel's military campaign in Gaza as a "genocide," a characterization rejected by Israeli officials. His criticism of Israel's actions has drawn criticism from some centrist groups and praise from some progressive activists.
Lander is the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 general election for New York's 10th Congressional District, which includes neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Manhattan. In the June 2026 primary, Lander defeated incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned for Lander, released a statement on X following the detention.
"Today, Brad Lander, rabbis, and other New Yorkers accompanied Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. For that, they were detained by the Israeli government," Mamdani wrote.
"I am thankful that Brad has been released. But other New Yorkers remain detained, and they must be released immediately."
Mamdani added, "The detention of these New Yorkers must end. The occupation must end. The genocide must end."
News 12 has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment and has not yet received a response.
