On September 24, New York police arrested over 30 people protesting during Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel's, speech at the UN General Assembly. This protest, which included actors and politicians, was held to express dissatisfaction with the situation in Gaza and Israel's actions.
Protesters and the Consequences of the Gathering
Among those arrested were names like Susan Sarandon (Oscar-winning actress), Hannah Einbinder (Emmy winner), Daraliza Avila Chavalier (Congress candidate from the Democratic Party), and Chi Osse (New York City Council member). Manjieh Moridian, a university professor with Iranian and Jewish background, was one of the participants in this protest who emphasized in her speech: "What is happening in Gaza is the destruction of an entire community, and we must be accountable for this issue. Netanyahu has no right to use this platform to justify these crimes."
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Netanyahu's Speech and Reactions
During the General Assembly, Netanyahu defended Israel's actions in the region and tried to reduce his increasing international isolation ahead of the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, several representatives left the hall during his speech. The protest was organized by the group "Jewish Voice for Peace," which supports Palestinian rights, and about 200 people gathered outside the UN wearing white t-shirts and chanting slogans like "Help the people, not the bombs" and "No to war."
This group blocked traffic, causing disruptions, and police quickly intervened. Officers used loudspeakers to ask the protesters to leave the area. Some protesters were moved to the sidewalks, but the main group continued to sit on the ground, shouting anti-Netanyahu slogans. Ultimately, officers separated the protesters one by one from the group and transferred them to police buses with their hands cuffed.
Activists continued to chant "Netanyahu go to hell" while being taken to the buses, demonstrating their determination to protest against the policies of the Israeli government. These events highlight the challenges ahead for Netanyahu and the Israeli government on the international stage as well as within their own country.
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