Anti-Netanyahu protest in New York - Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder among those detained

Protest against Netanyahu. Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder among those detained

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed world leaders on Thursday during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. Just before his speech, there was a demonstration during which protesters blocked the intersection, carrying banners with the slogans "Stop arming Israel" and "Let's end genocide."

According to the Jewish Voice for Peace organization, cited by WJW - a Fox affiliate station - among those arrested were Oscar winner Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder, star of the series "Hacks". The Agence France-Presse video shows officers handcuffing Susan Sarandon.

Those detained also included Democratic congressional candidates, including Darializa Avila Chevalier, as well as New York City Councilman Chi Osse. The organization said about 400 people participated in the protest, including Jews, Palestinians, Iranians and Lebanese living in New York.

Sarandon: I'm losing my job because of my views

Susan Sarandon has long been an outspoken critic of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip. This month, at the Venice Film Festival, she said her public stance had an impact on her career.

I recently lost roles in films because there are agencies that keep discouraging people from hiring me, she explained.

At the same time, she argued that the way the conflict is perceived in American society is changing, although - as she pointed out - there are still strong divisions in her industry regarding the position towards Israel.

Einbinder, in turn, referred to Palestine during the Cannes Film Festival.

Silence carries higher costs; you just need to get your priorities right. I don't think my humble career could compare with even one human life. It's a matter of duty and I will always do it, she announced.

As she emphasized then, the decision to speak publicly on this matter stems from her beliefs and sense of duty.

Netanyahu attacked the mayor of New York

The New York Times noted that during Thursday's speech at the UN General Assembly, Prime Minister Netanyahu again attacked Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing him of anti-Semitism. He declared that his criticism of Israel endangered New York's Jewish community.

In response, Mamdani accused the prime minister of using his speech at the UN to "repeat baseless lies aimed at whitewashing the genocide committed against the Palestinians."

However, no lie will change the fact that he has an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, the mayor said.

Mamdani, New York's first Muslim mayor, has long been an outspoken critic of Israel's treatment of Palestinians. He calls Netanyahu a war criminal.

Thursday's demonstration was one of several demonstrations taking place in New York in connection with the arrival of the Israeli prime minister to the UN General Assembly. Protesters blocked the streets near the organization's headquarters. Some participants sat on the road. The Israeli prime minister defended his country's actions and rejected accusations of genocide in the Gaza Strip. He also criticized countries that have decided to recognize a Palestinian state in recent months, including Great Britain and France.