Brad Lander Detained by IDF During Olive Harvest in West Bank

New York's 10th District congressional candidate Brad Lander shared his experience of being detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) while participating in an olive harvest in the occupied West Bank. This incident occurred during a volunteer effort aimed at supporting Palestinian farmers.

Incident During Volunteer Effort

Lander, a former New York City comptroller, was part of a group comprising over 40 international volunteers, including both Americans and Israelis, who were involved in the olive harvest. The coalition worked closely with various human rights organizations during this endeavor. According to Lander, the Israeli forces claimed that their activities violated local laws and were contributing to a 'disturbance of public order.'

Statement from the IDF

Responding to the situation, the IDF stated that their personnel — including soldiers and border police — detained individuals involved in the harvest due to security concerns tied to conducting such activities without prior coordination, especially near Israeli communities. They emphasized that requests for harvesting should be submitted in advance to ensure the safety and order of the area.

Reaction and Aftermath

After roughly two hours of harvesting, Lander and his fellow volunteers were approached by security personnel, leading to their detention. "We were simply there to harvest olives. If that is considered a disturbance, it is only to the occupation itself," Lander remarked in his interview with NBC News. He noted that he was released relatively quickly, ostensibly due to his profile as a congressional candidate, with Israeli officials repeatedly referring to him as 'congressman.'

A spokesperson for Protect the Harvest confirmed that most of the detained individuals were released, except for a small group of Israeli participants, who were banned from re-entering the West Bank for 28 days. This prohibition limits their ability to assist in the season's olive harvest, a vital source of income for many Palestinian families.

Context of the Harvesting Efforts

Lander highlighted that this olive grove had gone unharvested since the violent conflict that erupted following Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023. Palestinian farmers have been hesitant to approach their fields due to ongoing tensions and the presence of nearby Israeli settlements. Reports indicate that there have been significant Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians this year, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.

In the backdrop of this incident, recent statistics reveal that over 900 Palestinians have sustained injuries due to settler violence in 2023, while shooting incidents have led to the deaths of at least 76 Palestinians in the same period.

Call for Action

Lander took to social media to articulate his views, stating, "If the authorities wish to avoid international issues, they must cease their state-sanctioned ethnic cleansing efforts. My release does not alter the reality of occupation." His remarks reflect a continued critique of the Israeli government's policies and actions in the region.

The incident also drew attention from various advocacy groups. Rabbi Jill Jacobs, CEO of the Jewish human rights organization T’ruah, condemned the IDF's actions as an abuse of power and a part of an offensive campaign targeting Palestinians. She stated that the group would not be silenced by such threats.

Lander's commitment to advocating for Palestinian farmers has not waned despite this recent encounter. His previous activism includes efforts against immigration detention conditions in New York City, where he was previously detained alongside other officials.

As Lander continues his campaign and calls for awareness on international issues related to human rights, the implications of this incident highlight both local and global conversations about justice and activism in the face of conflict.