Benjamin Netanyahu at UN: New York Police detain actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder outside UN headquarters. Raises humanitarian concerns

As Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York, a protest outside the UN headquarters brought together hundreds of demonstrators, including Hollywood actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder. New York police detained both actresses during the demonstration on Thursday, September 24. The protest was organised by Jewish Voice for Peace; it was held as the Israeli Prime Minister arrived at the UN for his address. Reuters reported that nearly 30 people were arrested, while organisers said more than 100 protesters were taken into custody.

Why were Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder detained?

According to Reuters, protesters gathered outside the UN and blocked traffic on First Avenue. Police used loudspeakers to instruct demonstrators to leave the roadway. While some protesters moved to the sidewalks, others remained seated and continued chanting slogans. Officers subsequently moved in and detained people who refused to leave. Sarandon and Einbinder were among those taken into custody.

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The Guardian, citing an NYPD spokesperson, reported that officers responded to an “unscheduled demonstration” and issued several warnings before making arrests. Jewish Voice for Peace said the demonstration involved about 400 Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers. The organisation said 104 people were arrested, including Einbinder and several political and public figures.

What happened at the protest?

Images and videos from the demonstration showed Sarandon being escorted away in handcuffs. Einbinder was also seen with her hands restrained as police led her away. Protesters wore matching white T-shirts carrying messages including “Fund people not bombs”, “No war” and “Free Palestine”. Demonstrators also carried a large kite marked “Free Palestine”. Other notable figures present included actors Cynthia Nixon and Elliot Page, comedian Sarah Sherman, musician Lucy Dacus and whistleblower Chelsea Manning. According to The National, Nixon and Page attended but were not detained.

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Hannah Einbinder speaks after detention

Einbinder, known for her Emmy-winning role in Hacks, has previously spoken publicly about her views on the Israel-Gaza conflict. She addressed her detention and argued that attention should remain focused on the wider humanitarian situation rather than on the celebrities involved. The Hollywood Reporter also reported on her statement following the arrest.

Her public position is not new. The Jerusalem Post, in a 2025 report, noted that Einbinder had been among prominent Jewish figures who signed a letter calling for international pressure over Israel's conduct in Gaza. The newspaper also previously profiled Einbinder's Jewish background, reporting that she was raised in Los Angeles and had spoken about the importance of her Jewish identity and community.

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Susan Sarandon's history of activism

Sarandon, 79, has also been outspoken on the Israel-Gaza conflict and has participated in previous demonstrations. Her political activism has occasionally affected her professional life. Speaking at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, she said she believed she had lost film opportunities because of her views. The Guardian reported her comments while covering Thursday's demonstration. Sarandon also faced controversy in 2023 after remarks at a pro-Palestinian rally. She later apologised, saying the comments had been a mistake and that she regretted hurting Jewish people. The Jerusalem Post reported at the time that United Talent Agency subsequently dropped her.

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Protest coincided with Netanyahu's UN speech

The arrests came shortly before Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly. Reuters reported that dozens of delegates left the chamber as the Israeli prime minister began his speech, while protesters continued demonstrating outside the headquarters. The New York protest therefore became another highly visible moment surrounding Netanyahu's UN appearance, with the participation and detention of prominent entertainment figures drawing additional international attention.

Sarandon and Einbinder's detention places two recognisable Hollywood figures at the centre of a wider demonstration involving hundreds of protesters and more than 100 reported arrests by organisers. While the actresses' presence generated considerable attention, the protest itself reflected the broader political and humanitarian debate surrounding the Israel-Gaza conflict, which also featured prominently during Netanyahu's appearance at the United Nations.