Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder Arrested at UN Protest

Actress Susan Sarandon and comedian Hannah Einbinder were among approximately 100 protesters arrested outside the United Nations headquarters in New York City on Thursday, September 21, 2023. The arrests occurred as demonstrators gathered to voice their opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the UN General Assembly. The protest, organized by the advocacy group Jewish Voice for Peace and the Palestinian rights group American Muslims for Palestine, aimed to highlight concerns over Israeli policies and actions in Palestinian territories.

Protesters were reportedly chanting slogans and holding signs as they gathered on First Avenue, near the UN's East River entrance. According to a statement released by Jewish Voice for Peace, the demonstration was a "non-violent civil disobedience action" intended to disrupt the proceedings and draw attention to the ongoing Israeli occupation and its impact on Palestinian lives. The group further stated that the arrests were a consequence of the protesters' refusal to disperse when asked by law enforcement officials. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) was responsible for managing the security perimeter around the UN and carrying out the arrests.

Susan Sarandon, a vocal activist known for her political engagement, has previously participated in various protests and demonstrations concerning social and political issues. Hannah Einbinder, a comedian and actress who gained prominence for her role in the television series "Hacks," was also among those taken into custody. Their involvement in the protest brought significant media attention to the demonstration and the broader issues being raised. The arrests underscore the heightened security measures and the potential for civil disobedience during high-profile international events like the UN General Assembly, where world leaders convene to discuss global affairs.

The protest occurred just hours before Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to deliver his address to the UN General Assembly. The Prime Minister's speech was expected to cover a range of topics, including regional security, Iran, and the ongoing efforts to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The demonstration outside the UN served as a counterpoint to the diplomatic proceedings, reflecting the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The arrested individuals were processed by the NYPD and subsequently released, with the advocacy groups vowing to continue their efforts to advocate for Palestinian rights.