Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder Arrested at Netanyahu UN Protest

Actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder Arrested at New York City Protest Ahead of Netanyahu U.N. Address

Details of the Demonstration and Police Response

The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants holding banners that read “Stop Arming Israel” and “End the Genocide.” According to Jewish Voice for Peace, more than 400 individuals participated in a mass sit-in outside the U.N. to demand an end to U.S. military funding to Israel. A spokesperson for the NYPD stated that officers responded to reports of an unscheduled demonstration where crowds blocked an intersection. The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau issued warnings telling participants to leave, and multiple individuals who did not comply were taken into custody.

Statements From Arrested Performers

Following her detention, Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in Hacks, criticized U.S. policy in an Instagram story. She stated that the U.S. government has the power to bring an end to the killing, pillaging, and land theft, but instead chooses to welcome the Israeli leader. Susan Sarandon was photographed wearing a T-shirt that read “Fund people not bombs.” Sarandon has previously faced professional repercussions for her outspoken views on the conflict, noting at the Venice Film Festival that she has lost movies recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire her.

U.N. General Assembly Reactions and Walkouts

Inside the United Nations General Assembly, dozens of delegates walked out en masse as Benjamin Netanyahu took to the podium to deliver his address. Ireland’s delegation did not participate in the walkout, with a Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson explaining that Ireland has been represented for all national statements during High-Level Week, even when delivered by governments with which it vehemently disagrees. During his speech, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions, rejecting allegations of genocide and asserting the country’s right to wage war against Iran.