Susan Sarandon and Others Arrested as Protesters Rally Against Netanyahu at UN

High-Profile Arrests Outside United Nations Headquarters

The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, brought together approximately 200 participants wearing identical white T-shirts bearing slogans such as “Fund people not bombs,” “No war,” and “Free Palestine.” As protesters blocked traffic outside the UN complex, officers issued dispersal orders over loudspeakers before surrounding individuals who remained seated on the pavement chanting “Netanyahu go to hell.” Police subsequently detained about 100 people and escorted them to police buses, according to reporting from PIX11 and the New York Daily News.

Alongside Sarandon and Einbinder, law enforcement detained several other public figures and political candidates. These included Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, New York City Council member Chi Osse, actress Cynthia Nixon, and comedian Caleb Hearon. USA TODAY confirmed that representatives for Einbinder, Sarandon, and Nixon, as well as the NYPD, were reached for comment regarding the detentions.

“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,” said Manijeh Moradian, a 50-year-old university professor of Iranian and Jewish heritage participating in the rally.

Parallel Demonstrations and Congressional Reactions

The UN headquarters demonstration formed part of a broader wave of activism across Manhattan. Separate pro-Palestine demonstrations unfolded on the steps of the New York Public Library, where participants waved flags and displayed banners reading “New York rejects Zionism” and “Palestine deserves freedom.” Rabbi Yitzchok Deutsch of Neturei Karta International spoke at the library protest, arguing that Netanyahu was utilizing religious identity to justify actions in the Middle East, while also thanking New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for efforts regarding arrests.

The timing coincided with ongoing demonstrations in the city surrounding UN General Assembly events. Just days prior, roughly 575 individuals were arrested during a separate New York City protest addressing immigration policies ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s address. State Senator Erik Bottcher told PIX11 during that demonstration that constituents want leadership to publicly voice opposition to policies rather than acquiescing to the White House.

Inside the General Assembly and Industry Fallout for Artists

Inside the UNGA hall, Netanyahu delivered an address defending Israel’s military actions and labeling critics “moral cowards,” while dozens of international delegates walked out of the session in protest. Sarandon noted during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival on September 6 that her political advocacy has directly impacted her career.

“I’ve still had movies taken away recently, because there are agencies that are telling people not to hire me still,” Sarandon stated at the festival, adding that executives in powerful industry positions have not softened their stances regarding her public positions, even as she finds widespread support among international audiences.

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