Democratic congressional nominee Brad Lander faces anti-Israel hecklers at New York protest | CNN Politics

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story contains offensive language. Brad Lander, a Democratic congressional nominee in New York City, faced heckling Saturday over his stance on Israel as he protested a Hindu nationalist politician speaking at Madison Square Garden. Lander, a critic of the Israeli government who identifies as a liberal Zionist, was welcomed by some protesting Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat’s Saturday remarks in New York City. But others demanded that he leave. “We don’t want no Zionists here. Get the f**k out!” one man said in a video circulating online as he played a drum. “You say you’re a liberal but we know how you act.” “This guy supports Israel,” another shouted at Lander. “No Zionists, no Zionists,” a third person said, holding a keffiyeh and pointing at Lander. The issue of US support for Israel has inflamed Democratic primary races amid growing anti-Israel sentiment within the party base over the country’s military campaign in Gaza following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks. About 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 others taken hostage by Hamas. More than 70,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began. Lan