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Jewish Candidate Heckled With Antisemitic Slurs at MSG Protest of RSS Chief

A widely circulated video showing protesters slurring a Jewish candidate raises concerns about antisemitism within the demonstration.

Brad Lander, candidate for New York’s 10th Congressional District, arrives at his watch party after winning the primary elections on June 23, 2026.
An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Protesters tell Democratic House candidate Brad Lander to leave a demonstration outside Madison Square Garden, Image 2 shows Protesters holding signs against the Hindu nationalist RSS organization outside Madison Square Garden, Image 3 shows Protesters holding Indian and Khalistan flags, signs, and a cutout of Mohan Bhagwat outside Madison Square Garden
Lander, Who Supports Palestinian Causes, Heckled With Antisemitic Slurs At NYC Protest

Overview

  • Video from the protest at Madison Square Garden shows Democratic nominee Brad Lander being shouted at and told to leave while Mohan Bhagwat, leader of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, spoke.
  • The confrontation occurred during large demonstrations opposing the RSS over its record on religious minorities, with the crowd protesting Bhagwat’s 'Universal Oneness Celebration'.
  • New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had publicly criticized RSS ideology but said the city lacked authority to cancel the privately organized event.
  • Coverage and reaction varied across outlets, with local reporting emphasizing the on‑scene heckling and national outlets providing context about the RSS, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom’s concerns, and the group’s denials.
  • The episode could strain local progressive politics by highlighting divisions within anti‑RSS protests and may increase scrutiny of future RSS appearances in U.S. cities.