**Title: NYC Police Arrest Susan Sarandon and Other Celebrities During Protest Against Netanyahu**
On September 25, 2026, approximately 100 protesters were arrested outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City during a demonstration against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coinciding with his address to the UN General Assembly. Among those detained were notable figures such as Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon, Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, and New York City Council member Chi Osse.
The protest was organized by the advocacy group Jewish Voice for Peace and attracted around 200 participants. Many demonstrators wore matching white T-shirts emblazoned with messages including “Fund people not bombs,” “No war,” and “Free Palestine.” The gathering aimed to voice opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza and to challenge Netanyahu's use of the UN platform to justify these actions.
As the protest unfolded, demonstrators blocked traffic, prompting police to issue warnings via loudspeakers for them to disperse. Some protesters complied and moved to the sidewalks, while others remained seated on the pavement, chanting slogans such as “Netanyahu go to hell.” Police subsequently surrounded those who refused to leave and began escorting them to police buses for arrest.
Manijeh Moradian, a 50-year-old university professor of Iranian and Jewish heritage, expressed her concerns about the situation in Gaza, stating, “What’s being done to Gaza, the obliteration of an entire society, in our name, with our tax dollars, this is our responsibility to speak out against.” Her sentiments echoed the broader feelings of many in the crowd who believe that the U.S. government should reconsider its support for Israel.
Inside the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu addressed the assembly, defending Israel’s actions in the Middle East and seeking to counteract what he described as growing international isolation ahead of Israel's upcoming elections. During his speech, numerous delegates walked out in protest, highlighting the contentious atmosphere surrounding his appearance.
In a separate demonstration, pro-Palestinian activists gathered at the New York Public Library, waving Palestinian flags and holding banners that read “New York rejects Zionism” and “Palestine deserves freedom.” Rabbi Yitzchok Deutsch, representing Neturei Karta International, criticized Netanyahu for using Jewish identity to justify actions he deemed criminal. He also expressed gratitude to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his efforts to address the situation.
The protests reflect a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the role of international leaders in addressing these complex issues. As the situation continues to evolve, the actions of both protesters and political figures are likely to remain in the spotlight.