NEW YORK CITY — Brad Lander attended a demonstration on Saturday against an event organized by the Hindu nationalist RSS movement outside Madison Square Garden in New York City. Protesters confronted Brad Lander and demanded that he leave the rally.

"Bring it on," Lander said when a protester shouted in his face. The Democratic congressional nominee for New York’s 10th congressional district maintained his position at the counter-protest despite the direct confrontation.

Lander later issued a statement addressing the incident and explaining his presence at the demonstration. "Yesterday’s event was dedicated to standing up against the persecution of religious minorities. I was honored to be invited and glad to participate. I won’t stop joining rallies against hate – in India, in Israel and Palestine, or in New York City – because of a couple of loud numbskulls." Lander said in a statement.

The event Lander opposed featured Mohan Bhagwat, leader of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, who spoke at the gathering inside the venue. Lander’s attendance at the counter-demonstration occurred as he campaigns for Congress following his primary victory.

Lander won the primary election in June against Dan Goldman. He is a former comptroller for New York City and currently serves as an ally of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Lander describes himself as a liberal Zionist and states that he believes in the vision of Israel as a safe, Jewish home. At the same time, Lander argues that Israel cannot be a true democracy while it continues to occupy Palestinian land and deny Palestinians their human rights and freedom.

Lander condemns Israel’s continued occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. He supported the restriction of US military aid to Israel during his political career.

Lander believes that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks amounts to genocide. This perspective informs his broader approach to international conflicts and domestic political advocacy.

Why It Matters

The confrontation reflects the complex political positioning of Lander as he transitions from citywide office to a federal congressional race. His response to protesters indicates a commitment to participating in demonstrations against groups he identifies with hate, regardless of personal risk or public criticism.

Lander’s stated views combine support for Israel’s existence as a Jewish state with strong condemnation of its military policies and occupation practices. This dual stance places him at the center of debates within the Democratic Party regarding foreign policy and civil liberties.

The incident occurs as Lander prepares to represent New York’s 10th congressional district, having defeated an incumbent in the primary. His willingness to engage in public forums signals a continuation of the activist approach that characterized his tenure as comptroller and city council member.