**Susan Sarandon Among Dozens Arrested at Anti-Netanyahu Protest**
New York City, NY – Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and fellow actor Hannah Einbinder were among at least 30 individuals arrested during a protest outside the United Nations on Thursday. The demonstration was held in opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was scheduled to address the General Assembly later that day.
The protest, organized by the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace, attracted approximately 200 participants, many of whom wore identical white T-shirts emblazoned with messages such as “Fund people not bombs,” “No war,” and “Free Palestine.” The gathering aimed to draw attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to criticize the Israeli government's actions in the region.
Among those arrested were notable figures including Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City council member Chi Osse. The protestors blocked traffic outside the UN headquarters, prompting police to issue warnings over loudspeakers for them to disperse. While some participants complied and moved to the sidewalks, a core group remained seated on the pavement, continuing to chant slogans against Netanyahu.
Manijeh Moradian, a university professor of Iranian and Jewish heritage, voiced her concerns during the protest, 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, and Netanyahu has no right to use the platform of the United Nations to justify these atrocities.”
As the protest unfolded, police officers arrived on bicycles and began to surround the demonstrators. One by one, they removed individuals from the group, securing their hands with zip ties before escorting them to police buses. The activists continued their chants, including “Netanyahu go to hell,” as they were taken into custody.
Inside the General Assembly, Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in Gaza, aiming to counter what he described as growing international isolation, particularly in light of upcoming elections that could jeopardize his political future. During his speech, numerous delegates walked out in protest, reflecting the contentious atmosphere surrounding his address.
The protest highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the diverse perspectives within the Jewish community regarding Israel's policies. Jewish Voice for Peace, the organizing group, advocates for Palestinian rights and seeks to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
As the situation continues to evolve, both the protest and Netanyahu's speech underscore the complexities of international diplomacy and the passionate responses it elicits from various groups. The arrests at the protest serve as a reminder of the lengths to which individuals will go to voice their dissent and advocate for change in the face of perceived injustices.