New York City police detained 103 people Thursday during a sit‑in protest on First Avenue, just blocks from the United Nations headquarters. The demonstration was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace to call for an end to the war in Gaza and to urge the world to stop arming Israel.
High‑profile participants
Among those taken into custody were award‑winning actress Susan Sarandon and “Hacks” star Hannah Einbinder. Video from the scene shows officers zip‑tying the celebrities’ hands before escorting them to an NYPD transport bus. Other notable detainees included comedian Caleb Hearon, author Glennon Doyle, New York congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier, and former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning.
Protest messages
Protesters chanted slogans such as “Fund people not bombs,” and held signs reading “Stop arming Israel,” “End the genocide,” and “Free Palestine.” The crowd also carried shirts with the same messages, underscoring the strong sentiment against the ongoing conflict.
Police response
NYPD officers arrived after noon, warning demonstrators to clear the street. About 30 people remained seated and standing when the police issued a second warning. At approximately 1 p.m., officers began detaining participants, ultimately taking 103 individuals into custody.
Netanyahu’s UN address
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered his remarks to the UN General Assembly later that day, defending Israel’s military actions in Gaza and claiming that without Israel’s pre‑emptive strike on Iran, “we’d all be dead.” The speech prompted a polarized reaction, with many diplomats walking out of the chamber.
Background on the conflict
The United Nations previously concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, a finding Israel rejects, insisting its campaign is a lawful act of self‑defense. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on war‑crimes allegations, which the Israeli leader dismissed as “absurd” and “antisemitic.”
Aftermath
Following the UN address, hundreds of protesters marched through Manhattan streets, continuing chants of “Free Palestine,” “Gaza,” and “Netanyahu, you can’t hide. We charge you with genocide.” Sarandon, a longtime advocate for Palestinian rights, has repeatedly condemned Israel’s war in Gaza. Einbinder posted on Instagram, saying the images of her detention should draw attention to the “devastating genocidal war” affecting Palestinians and Southern Lebanon. Hearon thanked the organizers and noted he was released from custody.
Community response
The protest highlights ongoing tensions in New York City over foreign‑policy activism and the balance between public safety and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. While NYPD acted to keep traffic flowing and maintain order, civil‑liberty advocates stress the importance of protecting First Amendment rights, even when the message is controversial.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
