South Bay Congresswoman Calls For Release Of Americans Detained In West Bank

SAN PEDRO, CA — Rep. Nanette Barragán called Wednesday for the release of Americans detained by Israeli authorities while helping Palestinian farmers harvest olives in the occupied West Bank, an incident that also involved a New York congressional candidate.

Barragán issued her statement after Brad Lander, the Democratic nominee for New York's 10th Congressional District, was detained alongside dozens of American and Israeli volunteers near the Palestinian village of Nahalin, south of Bethlehem.

"I am relieved to hear Brad Lander has been released after he was detained by Israeli forces in the West Bank, for having helped Palestinian farmers harvest olives for their annual olive harvest," Barragán said.

"However, other Americans — including rabbis and volunteers — are still in custody. They must be released immediately. Peacefully helping Palestinian families harvest their land is not a crime. It should not lead to an arrest."

Lander, a former New York City comptroller, said the group had been peacefully harvesting olives when Israeli soldiers and police arrived and detained the volunteers.

The operation was organized by human rights groups, including Rabbis for Human Rights and T'ruah, to accompany Palestinian farmers amid concerns about attacks by Israeli settlers.

Israeli military officials said the harvest had taken place without the advance coordination required near a settlement, citing security concerns. Police said the volunteers had been operating in a prohibited area near a settlement fence.

However, The Times of Israel reported that a map distributed by the Israeli Defense Ministry's Civil Administration showed the area where the volunteers were detained did not require prior coordination.

Lander was released after several hours, with Israeli police acknowledging that his status as a congressional candidate had influenced the decision.

Barragán's demand came while dozens of other volunteers remained detained. Israeli police subsequently announced that 72 people had been released, while four others would remain in custody overnight.

The four were being held over alleged online activity, according to Israeli police. Authorities did not immediately establish that the allegations were connected to Wednesday's harvest.

Barragán, who represents California's 44th Congressional District, which includes San Pedro and parts of Long Beach, also called for the rights and safety of Palestinians and those supporting them to be respected.

City News Service contributed to this story.