The short version
- Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among those taken into custody by New York police for blocking an intersection during an unscheduled demonstration.
- The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, coincided with Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the UN General Assembly, which saw walkouts from numerous international envoys.
- Both actors have previously stated that their public opposition to Israel’s military actions in Gaza has resulted in professional repercussions within the entertainment industry.
New York City police detained several individuals on Thursday as they attempted to clear a demonstration blocking a major intersection near the United Nations headquarters. Among those taken into custody were Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and comedian Hannah Einbinder, who participated in an unscheduled protest organized by Jewish Voice for Peace. The arrests occurred just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to deliver his annual address to the General Assembly, marking a visible intersection of diplomatic proceedings and domestic dissent.
According to law enforcement officials, officers responded to reports of people obstructing traffic after issuing warnings for participants to disperse. When demonstrators refused to comply with instructions to leave the roadway, multiple individuals were arrested. A spokesperson for the New York Police Department did not specify the total number of detainees but confirmed that those who continued to block the intersection were taken into custody. Also among those detained were Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council member Chi Ossé.
The demonstration featured banners calling for an end to military support for Israel and condemning what protesters described as genocide in Gaza. The timing of the protest aligned with heightened tensions surrounding Netanyahu’s speech, during which he faced significant diplomatic friction. Dozens of envoys from various nations walked out of the assembly hall as the prime minister began his remarks, signaling widespread international dissatisfaction with his administration’s policies and rhetoric.
Inside the United Nations, Netanyahu directed criticism toward several Western allies, including Britain and France, which have recently moved to recognize Palestinian statehood. He challenged the historical legitimacy of their accusations against Israel regarding colonialism, noting that these nations originated the terminology used to describe such practices. His remarks underscored the growing isolation Israel faces on the global stage as European powers shift their diplomatic stances amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
For Sarandon and Einbinder, the arrests reflect a broader pattern of activism that has drawn both public support and professional backlash. Sarandon, known for roles in films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Dead Man Walking, has been vocal about her opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza. She recently told reporters at the Venice Film Festival that she has lost acting opportunities due to her political stance, attributing these setbacks to pressure from agencies advising against hiring her.
Sarandon described a divide within the entertainment industry, noting that while public understanding of the conflict may be shifting, strong pro-Israel sentiments remain influential among certain power structures. Despite facing professional consequences, she expressed resilience, stating that she has found community and support among like-minded individuals. Her comments highlight the personal risks associated with high-profile political advocacy in Hollywood.
Einbinder, star of the series Hacks, has similarly embraced the potential costs of her activism. Speaking earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, she argued that the moral imperative to speak out on issues affecting human life outweighs concerns about career stability. She referenced the backlash faced by other actors, including Sarandon and Melissa Barrera, as evidence of the industry’s punitive response to dissenting voices.
The incident in New York illustrates the intensifying polarization surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict within American cultural and political spheres. As diplomatic tensions rise at the United Nations, domestic protests continue to serve as a focal point for activists seeking to influence public opinion and policy. The arrests of prominent figures like Sarandon and Einbinder underscore the willingness of some celebrities to risk legal consequences in pursuit of their political convictions.
Looking ahead, the impact of these arrests on the broader discourse remains uncertain. While law enforcement emphasized the illegality of blocking traffic, the visibility of high-profile detainees may amplify the protesters’ message. The juxtaposition of diplomatic walkouts at the UN and street-level activism in New York highlights the multifaceted nature of international pressure on Israel’s leadership.
As Netanyahu continues to face criticism from both allies and adversaries, the role of civil society in shaping global responses to the conflict becomes increasingly prominent. The actions of Sarandon, Einbinder, and other demonstrators reflect a growing segment of the population that views silence as complicity. Whether this activism will translate into tangible policy changes or further industry backlash remains to be seen.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder arrested at anti-Netanyahu protest in New York
