Hannah Einbinder, an Emmy-winning actress, was arrested during a protest outside the United Nations in New York City on September 24, 2026, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly. She condemned Netanyahu as the butcher of Gaza
and called on the U.S. government to end Israel’s “genocidal war” in Palestine.
Einbinder, alongside celebrities like Susan Sarandon and Caleb Hearon, was among approximately 100 protesters taken into custody during the demonstration. The arrest occurred hours before Netanyahu’s speech, where he faced criticism from activists demanding accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza. Einbinder used her Instagram story to amplify the Palestinian cause, stating, Let us not mistake the spectacle for the story: Genocide is the headline, and it is time for it to end.
Protest and Arrest Details
The protest, organized by groups like Jewish Voice for Peace, targeted Netanyahu’s visit to the UN. According to the New York City Police Department, officers responded to an unscheduled demonstration
where an intersection was blocked. The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau issued warnings to participants, but those who refused to disperse were arrested. Einbinder, Sarandon, and Hearon were among the detained, while figures like Elliot Page and Chelsea Manning attended but were not arrested.
Video footage from the protest showed Einbinder being escorted away in handcuffs, chanting “Free Palestine” and Netanyahu out of New York.
The demonstration coincided with Netanyahu’s address, where he labeled the protesters as phony human rights protestors
and questioned their absence during Iran’s January crackdowns.
Statements and Calls to Action
Celebrity allies joined the cause, with Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Sherman also participating in the protest. Hearon, who was released after arrest, thanked Jewish Voice for Peace for organizing the event. The demonstration underscored the growing influence of entertainment figures in advocating for Palestinian rights, blending activism with public visibility.
Context and Broader Implications
The arrest and statements reflect a broader trend of celebrity-led activism on global issues. Einbinder’s remarks align with her history of supporting progressive causes, including her 2025 Emmy speech where she declared, go birds, fuck ICE and free Palestine.
The Hollywood Reporter noted her role as a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, framing the protest as part of a sustained effort to pressure U.S. policy.
While the immediate impact of the protest remains unclear, the involvement of high-profile figures like Einbinder and Sarandon risks escalating tensions between activist communities and political leaders. Netanyahu’s response to the demonstration, including his rhetorical questions about the protesters’ past actions, highlights the polarizing nature of the issue. The event also raises questions about the role of public figures in shaping international discourse on conflict zones.