Lede
Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were arrested Thursday in New York during an anti-Netanyahu protest organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, according to The Guardian. The two celebrities were among several people detained by NYPD officers as the demonstration attempted to disrupt events surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming address to the United Nations General Assembly. Agence France-Presse footage showed officers handcuffing Sarandon, best known for her role in “Thelma & Louise,” at the scene.
The arrests occurred amid heightened security and public attention surrounding Netanyahu’s speech to the U.N., which has drawn both supporters and protesters in New York. Jewish Voice for Peace, the group behind the demonstration, regularly organizes actions critical of Israeli government policy.
Key Facts
- Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were arrested in New York.
- The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace.
- The demonstration opposed Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to the United Nations General Assembly.
- NYPD officers detained multiple individuals, including the two actors.
- Agence France-Presse footage showed the arrests taking place.
The Story
Who was arrested and what happened?
Susan Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actress known for films like “Thelma & Louise,” and Hannah Einbinder, a comedian and star of the HBO Max series “Hacks,” were among those taken into custody by the New York Police Department. Their arrests took place during a demonstration organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, a group that has been active in protesting Israeli government policies, particularly in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The protest was timed to coincide with events marking Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled address to the U.N. General Assembly. Footage obtained by Agence France-Presse captured moments of the arrests, showing officers placing Sarandon in handcuffs as other protesters looked on. The exact charges or reasons for the detentions were not specified in the report.
Jewish Voice for Peace has organized numerous demonstrations critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza and has been a vocal presence at public events involving Israeli and U.S. political figures. The group describes itself as “a movement of Jewish people & allies” opposing what it calls Israeli occupation and apartheid.
What happens next?
Details regarding the legal proceedings or potential charges against those arrested, including Sarandon and Einbinder, were not included in The Guardian’s summary. However, protests and demonstrations related to Netanyahu’s visit to New York are expected to continue throughout his trip. Additional arrests or clashes with law enforcement cannot be ruled out as tensions remain high.
The arrest of high-profile figures like Sarandon and Einbinder may bring renewed attention to the cause championed by Jewish Voice for Peace. It could also escalate public discourse around free speech, protest rights, and international diplomacy in the lead-up to major speeches and meetings at the U.N.
How did this situation develop?
The anti-Netanyahu protest emerged as part of a broader pattern of demonstrations tied to the Israeli leader’s appearances abroad. Netanyahu’s participation in the U.N. General Assembly has historically drawn large crowds, both in support and in opposition, reflecting deep divisions over the Middle East conflict.
The involvement of celebrities such as Sarandon and Einbinder underscores how the Israel-Hamas war and its aftermath continue to galvanize public opinion in the West. Both actors have previously voiced criticism of Israeli government actions, aligning themselves with progressive and humanitarian causes.
NYPD has not released detailed statements about the arrests or the specific actions that led to the detentions. Further updates may come from court proceedings or official police reports in the coming days.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were arrested during the protest.
- The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace.
- The event occurred in New York as Netanyahu prepared to speak at the U.N. General Assembly.
- AFP footage captured the arrests, including officers detaining Sarandon.
Still unconfirmed:
- The specific charges or legal reasons for the arrests.
- The total number of people detained.
- Statements from NYPD or Netanyahu’s office.
- Whether Sarandon or Einbinder were released without charge.
Why it matters
This incident reflects the deep polarization surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and how celebrity involvement can amplify public protests. With Netanyahu’s international visits becoming focal points for diplomacy and dissent, actions like these highlight the intersection of entertainment, activism, and geopolitics. For readers following U.S. domestic responses to the war, such arrests signal ongoing grassroots engagement and resistance. Explore more under our politics and war-geopolitics coverage for continuing updates and analysis.
What to watch
Further details about charges or court appearances related to the arrests are expected soon. As Netanyahu continues his U.N. visit, additional protests and responses from public figures may unfold.