Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon detained during protest before Netanyahu speech
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Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon were arrested during a protest in Manhattan on 24 September against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the United Nations. Einbinder reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” as police escorted her away, while hundreds of demonstrators criticised Netanyahu and Israel’s conduct; the arrests clarify earlier uncertainty over whether the pair had been detained or formally arrested.
The protest included Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus, Elliot Page, Cynthia Nixon, Sarah Sherman and Chelsea Manning. Delegates from nearly every country reportedly walked out of Netanyahu’s speech, while others inside the UN questioned him about a possible war-crimes tribunal; New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani had previously said he would enforce an International Criminal Court warrant for Netanyahu, but later acknowledged he lacked the authority to do so.
- Einbinder and Sarandon were arrested during an anti-Netanyahu protest.
- Hundreds demonstrated outside the United Nations in New York.
- Most UN delegations reportedly walked out during Netanyahu’s speech.
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Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon are established actresses who have made public statements opposing Israeli government policies and expressing support for Palestinians. The United Nations General Assembly brought Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to New York to address the international body, which prompted protests from people opposed to Israeli actions and policies.
Both actresses have been vocal about their political positions in interviews and public appearances, and they chose to protest outside the venue where Netanyahu was set to speak. The detention of public figures at a political protest draws attention to broader questions about activism, free speech, and the visibility of dissent at high-profile international events.
The actresses have previously acknowledged that their outspoken activism carries professional costs. Sarandon has stated that her public stance has led to job offers being withdrawn and agents advising against hiring her, whilst Einbinder has discussed the trade-offs of speaking out on controversial issues. Their actions reflect a choice that some activists make to prioritise their political convictions despite potential consequences to their careers.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Peaceful protest is a democratic right that democracies should protect rather than suppress, and the decision by these public figures to speak conscience on serious moral matters exemplifies the civic courage such societies depend upon. When authorities detain peaceful protesters, it sends a chilling signal that dissent is unwelcome. The personal costs of speaking up—professional consequences, arrest—are precisely what make dissent meaningful and democratic.
The case against
Major diplomatic events require practical security arrangements and restricted protest zones to function safely; these constraints are not arbitrary suppression. When activists deliberately engage in civil disobedience, they are intentionally choosing to accept legal consequences as part of their protest message—this is not an injustice but the expected outcome of knowingly breaking rules. Democratic societies need both free speech and rule of law, and maintaining both sometimes requires limiting where protest occurs.
More coverage
- The Hollywood Reporter — Susan Sarandon, Hannah Einbinder Detained at United Nations Netanyahu Protest
- Deadline — Hannah Einbinder, Susan Sarandon Among Protesters Detained Outside UN Amid Netanyahu Arrival; Dozens Of Delegates Walk Out During Israeli PM’s Speech
- Consequence — Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder Arrested at Netanyahu UN Speech Protest
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Originally published by Variety as “Hannah Einbinder and Susan Sarandon Detained by Police While Protesting Benjamin Netanyahu’s Speech at the U.N.”.