Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Emmy-nominated comedian Hannah Einbinder were arrested Thursday outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, as pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's appearance before the General Assembly.
The arrests came during a large demonstration organized by the advocacy group Jewish Voice for Peace, which confirmed the detentions. According to the Associated Press, approximately 100 people were taken into custody by NYPD officers after protesters blocked streets near the UN complex, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Sarandon, known for her roles in Thelma & Louise and Dead Man Walking, has been a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign. Einbinder, star of the HBO series Hacks, has also used her platform to advocate for Palestinian rights. Both were seen in videos posted on social media being led away in handcuffs, though no formal charges have been announced.
The protest coincided with Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly, where he defended Israel's actions in Gaza and Lebanon, rejecting calls for a unilateral ceasefire. The Israeli leader's speech was boycotted by several delegations, reflecting deep international divisions over the conflict.
Jewish Voice for Peace, which has organized similar actions across the U.S., said the arrests were a deliberate act of civil disobedience. “We are here to say that Jewish values demand an end to the genocide,” a spokesperson said. “Netanyahu does not speak for us.”
The demonstration is part of a broader wave of protests that have swept American cities since the war began. In recent months, activists have targeted political events, university campuses, and even conservative organizations' headquarters to draw attention to the issue. The arrests also highlight the growing political pressure on lawmakers, with some Democrats pushing for conditions on military aid to Israel, a debate that has strained party unity.
New York Mayor Eric Adams defended the police response, stating that “peaceful protest is a right, but blocking traffic and breaking the law is not.” The NYPD confirmed that all detainees were processed and released with summonses for disorderly conduct.
The incident underscores the escalating tensions around Netanyahu's visit, which has become a flashpoint for both supporters and critics of Israeli policy. As the conflict continues, such high-profile arrests are likely to fuel further debate over the limits of protest and the U.S. role in the region.
