Hollywood stars Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder among 100 arrested by NYPD during a fiery anti-Netanyahu protest
The cost of saying, ‘Free Palestine’.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) arrested around 100 people, including Hollywood stars Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, during a protest in the city on Thursday, September 24, 2026. According to The Guardian, this demonstration occurred as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to address the United Nations General Assembly. Officers moved in to clear an intersection where pro-Palestinian protesters had gathered to voice their opposition.
The demonstration was organized by the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP). Protesters carried prominent banners with messages such as ‘Stop Arming Israel’ and ‘End the Genocide’. A spokesperson for the NYPD stated that officers responded to reports of an unscheduled demonstration blocking a busy intersection.
The department noted that members of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau issued multiple warnings to the participants. They explicitly advised the crowd that they should leave the area immediately. Because the group continued to block the intersection, the police took those who did not comply into custody.
Sarandon has been a consistent advocate for Palestine
Footage from Agence France-Presse captured the moment officers cuffed the legendary actor Susan Sarandon. The star of Thelma & Louise, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dead Man Walking, and The Witches of Eastwick has become a frequent face at these demonstrations. She has been very vocal about her stance on the genocide in Palestine. Earlier this month, while at the Venice film festival, she told journalists that her activism has impacted her career.
Sarandon noted that she has had movies taken away recently. She believes agencies are actively telling people not to hire her. The Hollywood icon stated, “But that’s the power structure.” She also mentioned that she still faces strong opposition from Zionists within the industry. Despite these professional challenges, she remains firm in her convictions. She told reporters, “But I found my family, I found my people, and I’m OK.”
Hannah Einbinder, known for her role in Hacks, was also marched away by police during the protest. She has previously argued that the cost of remaining silent is far greater than any potential damage to her career. She has pointed to the industry backlash faced by other actors like Melissa Barrera and Sarandon. Earlier this year at the Cannes film festival, she explained her position clearly.
Einbinder said, “I think what they know is what I know, which is that the cost of not speaking is higher.” She further emphasized her priorities by stating, “There is a greater toll in not speaking and you’ve just got to have your priorities straight. I am under no impression that my small career could ever measure up in comparison to even one human life. It’s an obligation and I will always do it.”
Einbinder shared her perspective on the demonstration
Following her arrest, Einbinder took to Instagram to share her perspective on the demonstration. She urged her followers to look past the arrests and focus on the genocide itself. She highlighted concerns regarding displacement, settler attacks, home demolitions, and the bombing of civilians. The actress wrote, “The US government has the power to bring an end to all of this killing.” She also criticized the decision to welcome Netanyahu during his visit to New York.
According to Reality Tea, Einbinder added, “Let us not mistake the spectacle for the story. Genocide is the headline, and it is time for it to end.” She also shared a link for donations to Pal Humanity. Her history of advocacy is well documented, including her 2025 Emmy acceptance speech where she ended her remarks by saying, “f— ICE and free Palestine.”
The list of individuals taken into custody during the protest was extensive and included several elected officials and political candidates. Among those arrested were Democratic congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City council member Chi Ossé.
Other officials and nominees arrested included Aber Kawas, Alexa Avilés, Christian Celeste Tate, David Orkin, Emily Gallagher, Illapa Sairitupac, and Jennifer Gutiérrez. The celebrity presence at the protest was significant as well. Beyond Sarandon and Einbinder, the list of those arrested included Chelsea Manning, Indya Moore, Glennon Doyle, Linda Sarsour, C Holmes, Caleb Hearon, Rabbi Abby Stein, Debra Winger, and David Valesco.
Inside the United Nations, the atmosphere was similarly tense
Dozens of envoys from nations around the world walked out of the general assembly as the Israeli PM began his speech. He used his platform to criticize both his enemies and his allies. He specifically called out Britain and France for their recent moves to recognize the state of Palestine.
He told the assembly, “They accuse Israel, tiny Israel, of colonialism – some colonialism. And who’s accusing us? Among them are people in Britain and in France. For God’s sakes, they invented the term.”
The protest on Thursday was part of a broader series of demonstrations occurring throughout New York City. As the events unfolded, the intersection of political advocacy and celebrity involvement became a central point of discussion.
For participants like Einbinder and Sarandon, the choice to protest at the United Nations was a deliberate attempt to force attention toward the ongoing genocide. They continue to prioritize their message over their professional standing in Hollywood.
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