Mamdani condemns Lander's detention, claims Israel continues to detain New Yorkers
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani commented on the detention of Democratic congressional candidate Brad Lander during an unauthorized Palestinian Arab olive harvest near the Jewish town of Beitar Illit. "Today, Brad Lander, rabbis, and other New Yorkers accompanied Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest. For that, they were detained by the Israeli government. Harvesting olives is not illegal. The occupation is," Mamdani wrote. He stated that he was thankful that Lander was released, but claimed that "other New Yorkers remain detained, and they must be released immediately." According to Mamdani, "The same Israeli government detaining them has committed a horrific genocide against Palestinians, killing more than 74,000 people over the last few years alone. The detention of these New Yorkers must end. The occupation must end. The genocide must end."