Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder arrested at anti-Netanyahu protest in New York

Demonstrators gathered in Manhattan to block traffic along First Avenue, demanding an end to military aid for Israel and calling for Netanyahu’s arrest. The demonstration drew a mix of activists, political candidates, and prominent entertainment figures as world leaders convened for the United Nations General Assembly.

Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder were among people detained by police in New York on Thursday as they moved in to break up a protest against Benjamin Netanyahu.

Agence France-Presse footage shows NYPD officers cuffing Thelma & Louise star Sarandon at the demo in the city as the Israeli prime minister was readying to address the United Nations general assembly.

The New York Post reported Einbinder had also been marched away from the demonstration organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, where protesters held banners that read Stop Arming Israel and End the Genocide.

A spokesperson for the NYPD said officers had responded to reports of an unscheduled demonstration where people were blocking an intersection.

Members of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau issued … warnings, advising participants that they should leave, the spokesperson said.

First Avenue Sit-In and Police Arrests

The midday protest involved more than 400 people, including celebrities, organisers and politicians, who joined an action near the UN earlier on Thursday, according to Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). The sit-in blocked part of First Avenue ahead of Netanyahu’s UNGA address, led by JVP and the NYC-Democratic Socialists of America.

Democratic House candidate arrested during Netanyahu protest in NYC

Multiple outlets, including PIX11 and the New York Daily News, reported over 100 people were arrested. Law enforcement sources and organizers stated that an estimated 104 demonstrators were busted as NYPD cops worked to clear First Avenue.

Among those taken into custody was Democratic Socialists of America member and Mayor Zohran Mamdani-backed House hopeful Darializa Avila-Chevalier, who smiled and chanted, “Free Palestine” as she was loaded onto an NYPD bus. As the Democratic Nominee for New York’s 13th Congressional District, Avila-Chevalier stated, I refuse to allow a war criminal to walk freely in our city.

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Susan Sarandon, who is 79 years old, looked up to the sky serenely as she was cuffed by NYPD officers, three years after she found herself behind bars after attending a protest at the New York state Capitol in Albany. Hacks actress Hannah Einbinder, who is 31, was also among those reportedly taken into custody. Both Sarandon and Einbinder could be seen wearing white T-Shirts which read: ‘fund people not bombs.’

More Than 100 Arrested in Protests Against Netanyahu

Comedian and rising actor Caleb Hearon, 31, was also seen with police officers in addition to numerous New York City council members, including City Councilman Chi Osse. Other well-known faces spotted among demonstrators or taken into custody included actors Cynthia Nixon, Elliot Page and Indya Moore, as well as comedians Mary Beth Barone and Sarah Sherman. However, representatives for Nixon told The Hollywood Reporter that the actress attended the protest, but did not plan to be arrested and was not detained, as media reports earlier suggested.

Netanyahu out of New York! Einbinder shouted as officers took the “Hacks” star into custody.

Inside the General Assembly and Netanyahu’s Response

While demonstrators filled the streets outside, tensions inside the UN General Assembly hall mirrored the public opposition. A number of UN delegates walked out of the session when Netanyahu began speaking that afternoon. As delegates walked out as Netanyahu stepped on stage to address the UN assembly, Netanyahu stated: If there are any other moral cowards who haven’t yet left this hall, please do so now.

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Broader Hollywood Activism and Industry Fallout

For Sarandon and Einbinder, the Manhattan arrests follow a pattern of outspoken advocacy regarding the conflict in Gaza. Sarandon was memorably canceled over her pro-Palestine comments in 2023. Sarandon noted at a recent Venice Film Festival press conference that she has lost out on movie roles due to her support of Palestine.

Hannah Einbinder has also famously been a vocal supporter of Palestine. Last year, when receiving the Emmy Award for supporting actress in a comedy series, she concluded her speech by saying, Go Birds, f— ICE and free Palestine. “Birds” was in reference to the Philadelphia Eagles, as Einbinder is a big fan.

Jose on Benjamin Netanyahu in New York City

I’m born and raised in New York City, and it’s a total disrespect for Benjamin Netanyahu to be here, Jose, a protest attendee who only gave his first name, told Al Jazeera. He’s a war criminal, and we don’t tolerate that.

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