Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder Detained During Anti-Netanyahu Protest Outside United Nations Headquarters

Indian Express•Published: Sep 26, 2026 11:14 PM IST

Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon and comedian Hannah Einbinder were among over 100 individuals detained by New York police after staging a sit-in protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, blocked First Avenue near the UN headquarters to demand an end to the military campaign in Gaza and a cessation of US arms supplies to Israel.

Mass Detention: New York police took 103 protesters into custody after they refused to disperse from the roadway during the high-profile demonstration.
Core Demands: Participants called for the United States to stop funding and arming Israel, citing the humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties in Gaza.
Celebrity Involvement: Both Sarandon and Einbinder participated in the sit-in, with Einbinder citing a moral responsibility as a Jewish American to oppose the government's actions.

The Context & Background

This protest coincided with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s scheduled address to the UN General Assembly, where he defended Israel’s military operations. The event reflects ongoing international and domestic tensions regarding the conflict in Gaza and the role of US foreign policy in the region.

Why it matters:The detention of high-profile celebrities highlights the growing intensity of public dissent regarding US military support for Israel. It underscores a significant cultural and political divide, as activists leverage their platforms to pressure the government to re-evaluate its foreign policy amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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