Susan Sarandon Among Dozens Detained at Netanyahu UN Protest
29 sourcesUpdated Sep 24, 2026
On Sept. 24, hundreds of demonstrators gathered near the United Nations in New York ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's General Assembly address. Organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, they blocked traffic in white t-shirts reading "Fund People Not Bombs." Police cleared the area and detained dozens. Those reported among them included Susan Sarandon, 79; Hannah Einbinder, 31, of Hacks; Cynthia Nixon; comedian Caleb Hearon; and congressional candidate Darializa Avila-Chevalier. Sarandon was photographed in handcuffs. Video of the detentions circulated. Dozens of delegates walked out as Netanyahu began speaking. Reports differed on whether Sarandon and Einbinder were formally arrested or only detained; precise legal status was not confirmed. Sarandon has prior protest detentions in 1982, 1999, 2018 and 2023. She said agencies still tell people not to hire her, adding she feels welcome among people internationally. Einbinder has said the cost of not speaking is higher and that her career could never measure up to even one human life. Netanyahu defended Israel's actions, said the country was also protecting other nations, and criticized those who left. Avila-Chevalier and City Council member Chi Ossé said they joined to oppose the violence and U.S. support for Israel.
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Detaining dozens outside the UN ahead of the speech just draws more attention to the demonstrators.
Sarandon getting handcuffed at 79 for protesting Netanyahu shows real commitment to the cause.
