Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder Among 100+ Arrested at Anti-Netanyahu Protest in New York

More than 100 protesters, including Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, were arrested during a demonstration in New York against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations.

The protest took place near the UN headquarters on September 24, as Netanyahu was preparing to address the UN General Assembly. Organised by Jewish Voice for Peace and other groups, the demonstration brought together hundreds of protesters who called for an end to the war in Gaza and US military support for Israel.

Protesters gathered on First Avenue carrying signs with messages including “Stop Arming Israel” and “Fund People Not Bombs”. Some participants sat in the street, blocking traffic as police repeatedly ordered them to leave.

When some protesters refused to clear the area, NYPD officers moved in and made arrests. According to information cited by Al Jazeera from the NYPD, 103 people were arrested for disorderly conduct and were later released.

Sarandon and Einbinder were among the celebrities detained. Other entertainment figures seen at the demonstration included Cynthia Nixon, Elliot Page, India Moore, Caleb Hearon and Sarah Sherman, although not all of them were arrested.

Sarandon has repeatedly spoken publicly in support of Palestinian rights and has criticised Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Einbinder has also been vocal about the Palestinian cause. Ahead of the demonstration, Einbinder said she felt a moral responsibility to speak out.

The arrests took place as Netanyahu was due to address the UN General Assembly. Inside the assembly hall, dozens of delegates were also seen leaving as the Israeli prime minister began his speech.

The Israeli military campaign in Gaza remains the subject of intense international debate. Israel rejects allegations of genocide, and Netanyahu reiterated that position during his UN address while defending Israel’s actions.

The New York demonstration drew significant international attention because of the participation of prominent Hollywood figures alongside activists, politicians and other protesters.