Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder among dozens arrested during protest against Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations

Al Jazeera•Published: Sep 25, 2026 02:45 AM IST

Hollywood stars Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were taken into police custody during a demonstration outside the United Nations headquarters in New York. The protest occurred just hours before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to address the UN General Assembly.

Approximately 100 demonstrators were detained by police for blocking traffic and refusing to disperse.
The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace to demand an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Both Sarandon and Einbinder were seen being escorted away by officers after participating in the sit-in.
The group called for an end to U.S. military aid to Israel amid the ongoing conflict.

The Context & Background

Tensions have remained high in New York as world leaders gather for the annual UN General Assembly session. Pro-Palestinian activists have staged multiple demonstrations across the city to voice opposition to Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Why it matters:The high-profile arrests highlight the growing intersection of celebrity activism and geopolitical protest. It underscores the intense public pressure on U.S. officials regarding their continued support for Israel as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza persists.

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