Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder Detained at NYC Protest Over Gaza War

Susan Sarandon Hannah Einbinder detained in New York City during a protest outside the United Nations headquarters against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. More than 100 protesters were detained during the demonstration, which took place shortly before Netanyahu was due to address the UN General Assembly.

The protest was coordinated by Jewish Voice for Peace. Demonstrators also denounced the United States’ ongoing military support for Israel and demanded an end to the conflict in Gaza.

The New York Police Department detained Sarandon, an Oscar-winning actress, and Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in the television series Hacks. Other notable celebrities who attended the rally were comedian Caleb Hearon, whistleblower Chelsea Manning, actor and model Indya Moore, novelist Glennon Doyle, and activist Linda Sarsour.

Susan Sarandon Hannah Einbinder detained as protesters block road

The protestors congregated near the junction of First Avenue and East 39th Street. Many donned similar white T-shirts with slogans like “Fund people, not bombs” and “No war.”

The group sat in the road, blocking traffic and demanding an end to US military funding to Israel. Protesters said that American backing should not be used to support Israel’s military war in Gaza.

The event took place against the backdrop of the war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel. Pro-Palestinian groups have blamed Israel of causing widespread devastation and civilian fatalities in Gaza, and they have called for an end to the conflict.

Israel rejects accusations that it is committing genocide. The Israeli government says its military operations are focused on Hamas and that the group remains a threat following the October 7 attack.

Police move in after repeated dispersal orders

New York police regularly used loudspeakers to tell demonstrators to evacuate the crossing. Despite the warnings, around 100 individuals remained seated.

Officers then approached the protestors and began to remove them from the area. Before removing demonstrators, police formed a barrier around them using bicycles.

Some demonstrators were dragged off the street and bound with zip ties. They were then led to police buses as the crowd continued to yell anti-war chants.

The demonstration also included several elected officials and progressive political figures. New York City Council members Chi Ossé and Tiffany Cabán were among those detained, along with congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier.

Protest takes place before Netanyahu’s UN address

The protest occurred only hours before Netanyahu was supposed to appear at the UN General Assembly. Protesters stated that they intended to call attention to the conflict in Gaza and US backing for Israel.

Netanyahu has justified Israel’s military operations, claiming it is acting in self-defence. His participation at the UN sparked a separate protest within the General Assembly, with scores of diplomats walking out as he began speaking.

Over 100 protesters were jailed during the New York event when police cleared the barricaded roadway.