Actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among roughly 100 people taken into custody outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on Thursday, according to the advocacy group Jewish Voice for Peace. The arrests occurred during a demonstration timed to coincide with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly.
The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, drew a diverse crowd of activists who gathered to voice opposition to Netanyahu's policies and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Videos posted on social media showed Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actress known for her political activism, and Einbinder, star of the HBO series "Hacks," being handcuffed and led away by police officers.
Jewish Voice for Peace confirmed the arrests in a statement, saying that "dozens of rabbis, Jews, and allies" were detained as they blocked streets near the UN. The group has been a vocal critic of Israeli government actions and has called for a ceasefire in the region.
The demonstration is part of a broader wave of protests that have accompanied Netanyahu's visit to the US, which has been marked by heightened tensions both domestically and internationally. Earlier this week, Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress, a speech that was boycotted by several Democratic lawmakers.
Sarandon, who has previously spoken out on issues ranging from immigration to workers' rights, has been increasingly visible in pro-Palestinian activism. Einbinder, whose comedy often touches on social justice themes, also appeared at a rally earlier this week. The arrests come amid a crackdown on protests in New York, where police have made hundreds of arrests in recent months at demonstrations related to the Israel-Hamas war.
The UN has seen a series of protests this week, with activists using Netanyahu's presence to spotlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister's address, which focused on regional security and the threat from Iran, was met with a walkout by some delegates.
Legal experts note that the arrests, which are typically charged as disorderly conduct or obstructing traffic, are unlikely to result in serious penalties, but they carry symbolic weight. "These arrests are a form of political theater," said Sarah Johnson, a civil rights attorney not involved in the case. "They draw attention to the cause and create a narrative of resistance."
Jewish Voice for Peace has vowed to continue its campaign, with more actions planned in the coming days. The group's leadership emphasized that the protest was peaceful and that those arrested were exercising their First Amendment rights. "We will not be silenced," said a spokesperson. "Our presence here is a moral imperative."
The episode adds to the contentious atmosphere surrounding Netanyahu's visit, which has been shadowed by ongoing negotiations over a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages. The Biden administration has urged restraint, while critics accuse the US of not doing enough to halt the violence.
As the day ended, Sarandon and Einbinder were released, and neither has commented publicly. Their arrests, however, have amplified the voices of protesters who argue that the international community must take a stronger stance. The spectacle outside the UN serves as a reminder of the deep divisions the conflict has exposed, both in the US and abroad.
