Key facts
- Congressional nominee Brad Lander was heckled by protesters at a rally in New York.
- The protesters targeted Lander over his critical stance on Israel, calling him a "Zionist".
New York congressional nominee Brad Lander was verbally abused by protesters at a rally against Hindu nationalism, with some individuals confronting him over his critical stance on Israel. Lander, who identifies as a liberal Zionist, condemned the abuse and stated he would not be deterred from joining rallies against hate.
The incident underscores the deep divisions and tensions within the United States regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly as progressive voices increasingly criticize Israeli government policies. It also highlights the complex debate surrounding anti-Zionism and antisemitism.
New York Democratic congressional nominee Brad Lander was subjected to verbal abuse and heckling from protesters at a demonstration outside Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The protesters, demonstrating against a speech by RSS leader Mohan Bhagwat, confronted Lander over his critical stance on Israel.
Video circulating online showed protesters yelling at Lander, with one man shouting, “We don’t want no Zionists here. Get the fuck out!” and another stating, “You’re a Zionist, we don’t need you.” Some protesters, however, welcomed Lander's presence and defended him.
Lander, who is Jewish, identifies as a liberal Zionist. He has been an outspoken critic of the Israeli government, condemning the occupation of Palestinian land and arguing that Israel cannot be a true democracy while denying Palestinians their rights. He has supported restricting U.S. military aid to Israel and believes Israel's military campaign in Gaza amounts to genocide.
Lander, a progressive candidate for New York's 10th congressional district and an ally of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, appeared unfazed by the confrontation. In one exchange, he responded, “Bring it on,” to a protester. He later stated in a message to CNN that he would not stop joining rallies against hate due to a "couple of loud numbskulls."
Following the incident, the Indian American Muslim Council and Hindus for Human Rights defended Lander. The IAMC stated that the individuals responsible did not represent their coalition and that insulting allies is unacceptable. Hindus for Human Rights described Lander as a "rare progressive voice against the RSS" and a longtime ally who understands the majority's role in combating hate.
The confrontation highlights growing tensions in the U.S. over Israel's actions in Gaza, with public opinion shifting and progressive candidates gaining traction amid pro-Palestinian sentiment. The incident also touches on the blurred lines between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, though liberal commentator Peter Beinart argued that the protesters' harassment was not antisemitic, as they took issue with Lander's Zionism, not his Jewishness.