'Ballsack Zionist': Jewish politician Lander insulted while protesting NYC Hindu nationalist event

Brad Lander, a Jewish progressive Democratic candidate for the US House of Representatives, was verbally assaulted and told to leave a protest outside Madison Square Garden on Saturday due to his self-identification as a Zionist. Lander was attending a demonstration against an event organized by the Hindu nationalist RSS movement, which he described as a “fascist and hateful rally.” Despite Lander's strong criticism of Israeli policies, including calling the Gaza war “genocide” and opposing military aid to Israel, some protesters accused him of being “another paid Zionist” and shouted insults like “F*** you, ballsack Zionist!” Lander, who still identifies as a “liberal Zionist” supporting Israel's existence, attempted to explain his position and his alignment with the protest's cause, but faced demands to leave. The incident highlights internal tensions within the progressive movement regarding Israel.