Hollywood stars Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among demonstrators detained during a protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in New York. The arrests came as Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday.
New York police moved to break up a sit-in near the United Nations headquarters. Sarandon was seen being handcuffed, while Einbinder was also taken away from the demonstration.
The protest was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace and drew more than 100 arrests according to organisers. Police said demonstrators were blocking an intersection and were taken into custody after warnings to leave.
Protesters Rally Against Netanyahu’s UN Appearance
Demonstrators gathered on New York streets as Netanyahu prepared to deliver his address to the General Assembly. Protesters carried banners reading “Stop Arming Israel” and “End the Genocide”.
The demonstration focused on opposition to Netanyahu’s visit and Israel’s actions in Gaza. Meanwhile, dozens of UN delegates walked out of the General Assembly as Netanyahu began speaking.
During his speech, Netanyahu criticised opponents of Israel and addressed countries including Britain and France. He specifically criticised their recent decisions to recognise a Palestinian state.
“They accuse Israel, tiny Israel, of colonialism – some colonialism. And who’s accusing us? Among them are people in Britain and in France. For God’s sakes, they invented the term,” he told the assembly.
Susan Sarandon Has Long Spoken Out on Gaza
Sarandon has repeatedly spoken publicly about the conflict and her support for Palestinians. The actress has appeared at previous demonstrations and has discussed the impact of her views on her Hollywood career.
At the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, Sarandon said she believed her outspoken views had affected her professional opportunities. She was promoting her latest film while discussing the response to her position.
“I’ve still had movies taken away recently because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still. But that’s the power structure,” she said.
She further described what she saw as a change in public understanding of the conflict. However, she said she believed some strong positions remained within the entertainment industry.
“I think there has been a change in terms of the understanding of the situation and the general public, but there are still very strongly held positions within my industry that are held by Zionists and who have not relaxed their feelings towards me.
“But I found my family, I found my people, and I’m okay,” she added.
Hollywood Names Draw Attention to New York Protest
Sarandon, known for films including “Thelma & Louise,” “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Dead Man Walking” and “The Witches of Eastwick,” has remained outspoken on the issue.
Einbinder, meanwhile, is known for her role in “Hacks” and has publicly discussed Palestine. Her detention alongside Sarandon brought additional attention to the demonstration.
The protest unfolded just outside the UN as Netanyahu delivered his address, linking the Hollywood figures’ detentions with a broader demonstration that drew large numbers of participants.
The events placed the New York protest, the Hollywood stars’ detentions and Netanyahu’s UN appearance at the centre of attention on Thursday.
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