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Sarandon and Einbinder arrested at anti-Netanyahu protest in New York
Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder were among those detained as police broke up a Jewish Voice for Peace demonstration against Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the UN general assembly.
By Edward Beaumont · 4 min read
Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder were among a number of people detained by police in New York as officers moved in to break up a protest against Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister.
Footage shows NYPD officers cuffing Sarandon, the Oscar-winning star of Thelma & Louise, at the demonstration in the city while Netanyahu was preparing to address the United Nations general assembly. Einbinder, known for her role in the comedy series Hacks, was also detained.
The protest was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace, an American Jewish organisation that campaigns against Israeli government policy and describes itself as anti-Zionist. The demonstration took place as world leaders gathered for the annual UN general assembly, where Netanyahu was due to speak.
Sarandon has been a prominent supporter of pro-Palestinian causes in recent years and has attended a number of related demonstrations. Her arrest on Thursday adds her name to a growing list of public figures who have been detained at such protests in the United States.
Einbinder, who has won acclaim for her performance in Hacks, has also spoken publicly about her political views. Her detention alongside Sarandon drew immediate attention on social media and among entertainment industry observers.
The New York Police Department has not yet commented in detail on the number of arrests or on any charges. It is not clear whether those detained were later released or whether any formal proceedings will follow.
Netanyahu's visit to New York for the general assembly has been met with demonstrations from a range of groups opposed to Israeli military operations and his government's policies. The Israeli prime minister's speech to the assembly was itself the subject of protest, with delegates from several countries walking out during his address, according to reports.
The protest outside the UN formed part of a wider wave of activism that has accompanied this year's general assembly. Jewish Voice for Peace has been among the organisations leading calls for a change in US policy towards Israel, and its demonstrations have frequently drawn celebrity participants.
Sarandon's arrest is not the first time she has been involved in such actions. The actor has used her public platform to criticise Israeli government actions and has faced criticism from some quarters for her positions. Einbinder's participation reflects the continued engagement of younger entertainment figures with the issue.
The timing of the protest, as Netanyahu addressed the UN, ensured it received widespread coverage. The images of Sarandon being handcuffed by officers circulated quickly, underlining the intensity of feeling that the Israeli prime minister's presence in New York has generated.
It remains to be seen what legal consequences, if any, will follow for those detained. In similar cases in recent years, protesters have often been released without charge, though some have faced court proceedings. The NYPD has not indicated how it intends to proceed.
For now, the arrests have added a celebrity dimension to a diplomatic event already marked by controversy. The general assembly continues, and further protests are expected while Netanyahu remains in New York.
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