Former New York Comptroller Detained While Volunteering with Palestinian Farmers

A progressive congressional candidate from New York reported his detention by Israeli military forces in the West Bank on Wednesday, the latest incident involving politicians aligned with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Democratic Socialist wing.

Brad Lander, who secured an unexpected primary victory earlier this year against Representative Dan Goldman, announced via social media that he and a group of volunteers, including several rabbis, were being held by the Israel Defense Forces while participating in an olive harvest near the settlement of Nehalim.

“I have been detained by the IDF, along with a group of rabbis and volunteers. We were simply harvesting olives in a grove near Nehalim in the West Bank. The occupation is a crime under international law. Harvesting olives is not a crime under any law I know,” Lander stated in his post.

The incident marks another confrontation between law enforcement and candidates endorsed by Mayor Mamdani, whose influence in New York City Democratic primaries has proven substantial this election cycle. Lander, the former New York City comptroller, represents one of several anti-establishment candidates who received the mayor’s backing and subsequently defeated longtime incumbents.

The pattern of legal encounters extends beyond Lander. Darializa Avila Chevalier, a Socialist candidate who defeated Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Adriano Espaillat in their primary race, reported being knocked to the ground by New York Police Department officers during a protest regarding federal immigration authorities this month. The demonstration concerned the shooting of an illegal immigrant in the Bronx.

Lander’s political biography includes a complicated relationship with the Democratic Socialists of America. While formerly a member of the organization, he departed in 2023 following the group’s decision to hold a rally one day after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. His participation in the West Bank olive harvest, however, suggests his continued commitment to Palestinian advocacy despite his break with the DSA.

The group accompanying Lander, Rabbis for Peace, confirmed his detention through social media, posting a photograph and stating he was held “by Israeli police for standing with Palestinians during the olive harvest” alongside other volunteers.

The situation highlights the growing tensions within Democratic Party circles regarding Middle East policy, particularly as progressive candidates gain ground in traditionally establishment districts. Mamdani’s success in backing challengers who have unseated incumbent Democrats has raised concerns among some party observers about the direction of New York City politics.

Goldman, the incumbent Lander defeated, had represented a more moderate position within the Democratic caucus. His loss to a candidate willing to engage in direct action in disputed territories signals a potential shift in how New York representatives may approach international affairs, particularly regarding Israeli-Palestinian relations.

The West Bank remains a focal point of international dispute, with the territory’s status contested under various frameworks of international law. Agricultural activities, particularly olive harvests, have become symbolic acts of solidarity with Palestinian farmers who face restrictions on land access.

As of Wednesday evening, the circumstances of Lander’s release and any potential charges remained unclear.