Rep. Mejia Denounces Israeli Detention of Constituent in West Bank

Glen Ridge, New Jersey — Today, Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) issued the following statement following the detention of a constituent of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, Alan Gordon, who was held for over seven hours by Israeli forces while peacefully assisting Palestinian farmers during the olive harvest in the occupied West Bank. Gordon was detained alongside American rabbis and advocates, including congressional candidate Brad Lander, and has since been released.

“I am relieved that Mr. Gordon and his fellow advocates have been released. Upon learning of his detention, my office immediately contacted the U.S. Department of State to advocate for his release. But let's be clear: The problem in the West Bank is not peaceful volunteers helping Palestinian families harvest their crops. It is violent settlers terrorizing Palestinian communities with the backing and protection of the Netanyahu government.

These volunteers traveled thousands of miles to stand alongside Palestinian farmers facing threats of violence, intimidation, and displacement. Instead of protecting these families from settler attacks, Israeli forces detained the very people trying to keep them safe. That is an outrageous abuse of power, and I unequivocally condemn it.

For generations, Palestinian families have cultivated this land, relying on their olive harvests to sustain their livelihoods. They should not need international volunteers to protect them from violence simply to harvest their own crops. Yet Netanyahu’s government continues to embolden violent settlers, expand illegal settlements, and use military force to deepen an occupation that denies Palestinians their fundamental rights.

I will continue to demand accountability for settler violence, freedom for those unjustly detained, and an end to the illegal occupation and annexation of Palestinian territory. A just and lasting peace demands more than words. It demands an end to displacement, an end to impunity, and a future where Israelis and Palestinians can live with freedom, dignity, and security,” said Congresswoman Mejia.

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