Sarandon, Einbinder arrested at anti-Netanyahu protest in New York

Hundreds of protesters blocked Manhattan streets on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly. Police arrested multiple demonstrators, including Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder, after they refused to leave intersections near UN headquarters. The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, with participants holding signs reading "Stop Arming Israel" and "End the Genocide."

Other prominent figures at the demonstration included actor Elliot Page, whistleblower Chelsea Manning, and Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon. Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City council member Chi Ossé were also arrested. An NYPD spokesperson said officers had issued warnings to protesters blocking the intersection and took individuals into custody who did not comply, though no total arrest count was provided.

The protest occurred amid heightened tensions between Netanyahu and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani. During his UN address, Netanyahu directly criticized Mamdani, accusing him of spreading lies about Israel and making Jewish New Yorkers less safe. Dozens of UN delegates walked out during Netanyahu's speech. Mamdani had previously promised during his mayoral campaign to arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York, but later acknowledged the city lacked legal authority to enforce an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against the prime minister. The ICC issued the warrant in 2024 for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza; Netanyahu denies the allegations.

Sarandon and Einbinder have both been vocal about Gaza, with Sarandon reporting job losses due to her activism. Einbinder has stated that speaking out about Palestine is more important than her career, citing industry backlash against actors who take such positions.