NYC police arrest Susan Sarandon, other celebrities protesting Netanyahu | Protests News
Protests Erupt Outside UN Headquarters During Netanyahu’s Speech
NEW YORK — Rights groups criticized the United Nations for hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, leading to demonstrations outside the UN headquarters that resulted in approximately 100 arrests, including numerous high-profile individuals.
Protesters gathered on Tuesday ahead of Netanyahu’s address to the UN General Assembly, with many expressing their condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The event was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace and attracted around 200 participants, many wearing matching white T-shirts emblazoned with messages such as “Fund people not bombs,” “No war,” and “Free Palestine.”
Among those arrested were Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon, Emmy winner Hannah Einbinder, Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, and New York City Council member Chi Osse.
Demonstrators blocked traffic, prompting police to issue dispersal orders. Some protesters moved to the sidewalks, while others remained seated on the pavement, chanting, “Netanyahu go to hell.” Police subsequently escorted those remaining to waiting buses for transport.
Manijeh Moradian, a university professor of Iranian and Jewish heritage, expressed her concerns, stating, “What’s being done to Gaza, the obliteration of an entire society, in our name, with our tax dollars, is our responsibility to speak out against. Netanyahu has no right to use the platform of the United Nations to justify these atrocities.”
Inside the UN General Assembly, Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions in the region, aiming to combat growing international isolation ahead of impending elections. During his speech, dozens of delegates walked out in protest.
In addition to the demonstrations at the UN, pro-Palestinian activists gathered at the New York Public Library, displaying Palestinian flags and banners that read, “New York rejects Zionism” and “Palestine deserves freedom.”
Rabbi Yitzchok Deutsch of Neturei Karta International criticized Netanyahu for what he described as the exploitation of Jewish identity to justify violence, and expressed gratitude towards New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his stance against Netanyahu’s presence at the UN.
Protester Melissa Zuniga voiced her disbelief that Netanyahu was permitted to address the UN, noting his international warrant for arrest.
