New York City police detained over 100 individuals on Thursday during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was preparing to address the United Nations General Assembly. Among those arrested were actress Susan Sarandon, known for her roles in Thelma & Louise and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Hannah Einbinder, star of the television series Hacks.
The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, took place near the UN headquarters and involved a mass sit-in where protesters blocked an intersection. Participants held banners with messages including “Stop arming Israel” and “End the genocide.” According to the NYPD, officers responded to reports of an unsanctioned gathering obstructing traffic. Despite warnings issued by the Community Affairs Bureau to disperse, some individuals refused to leave and were subsequently taken into custody. The exact number of arrests was not confirmed by police, but Jewish Voice for Peace claimed on social media that more than 100 people were detained.
Among the arrested were also Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City council member Chi Ossé. Jewish Voice for Peace described the protest as a call to end what they termed genocide and urged a cessation of U.S. military funding to Israel, saying the group would not remain silent while “war criminals are given a platform to speak.”
Inside the UN General Assembly, dozens of diplomats from various countries staged a walkout as Netanyahu began his speech. The Israeli prime minister addressed recent criticism from several nations, including Britain and France, which have officially recognized the state of Palestine. In his remarks, Netanyahu dismissed accusations of Israeli colonialism, noting the irony that some critics come from countries he said "invented the term."
Sarandon, who has been publicly vocal in her criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, told journalists at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month that her stance has affected her career opportunities. She stated that some projects had been withdrawn and that certain agencies discouraged others from working with her. Sarandon also acknowledged a growing awareness of the situation among the general public but noted that opposition within parts of the entertainment industry remains strong.
Einbinder has similarly spoken about the personal cost of expressing support for Palestine, emphasizing the importance of maintaining her principles despite potential professional repercussions. At the Cannes Film Festival this year, she said the consequences of silence would be greater than the loss of career opportunities.
The protest and subsequent arrests reflect continuing tensions surrounding Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader international debate over U.S. support for Israel amid ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns.