“[On Instagram, while in custody:] I've been detained by the IDF, along with a group of rabbis & volunteers. We were simply harvesting olives in a grove near Nehalim in the West Bank. [In a follow-up post about three hours later:] I've been released from IDF custody with a 'warning.' … Palestinians face far worse consequences every day. … These detentions by the IDF are one more attempt to undermine Palestinians' right to harvest their olive groves, travel on their roads, and live in their homes.
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BL
Brad Lander
Democrat
Democratic Nominee for U.S. House, New York's 10th District • New York
Former New York City comptroller (2022–2025) and city councilmember from Brooklyn; won the 2026 Democratic primary in New York's 10th Congressional District.
Statements (3)
“[To NBC News after his release, responding to Israeli authorities' claim the group was "causing a disturbance of public order":] But I assure you, all we were doing was harvesting olives. … I tried to explain to them I wasn't a member of Congress, just a primary winner. … If they don't want a diplomatic or international incident, they should stop state-sponsored ethnic cleansing.
“[On a press call after his release, on Rep. Joaquin Castro's Stop the Settlements Act:] I will certainly be signing on to Representative Castro's bill when I get to Congress.