Oscar-winning actress Susan Sarandon and Hacks star Hannah Einbinder were among those detained after the police intervened in the demonstration organized by the 'Jewish Voice for Peace', a pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist political group, in New York on Thursday, to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In the footage from AFP, Sarandon, the star of the movie Thelma & Louise, can be seen being handcuffed by New York Police Department (NYPD) officers at the demonstration held while Netanyahu was preparing to give a speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
The New York Post reported that Einbinder was also taken away from the demonstration under police escort. Protesters held signs saying “Stop Arming Israel” and “End Genocide.”
A NYPD spokesman said officers responded to the area after receiving a report of an unplanned demonstration by people blocking an intersection.
“NYP Police Department Community Relations Bureau officers issued warnings to participants informing them that they should leave the area,” the spokesperson said.
Stating that the demonstrators continued to block the intersection, the spokesman said, "Many people who did not comply with the warnings were detained." Police did not disclose the total number of people detained.
Democratic Party Congress candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier and New York City Council Member Chi Ossé were among those detained.
COLD SHOWER FOR NETANYAHU AT THE UN
While the protests continued, remarkable developments took place at the UN General Assembly. As Netanyahu started his speech, dozens of representatives from different countries of the world left the hall.
In his speech, Netanyahu targeted both Israel's enemies and allies who have been at odds with him in recent months. Among these were Britain and France, which recently took steps to recognize the Palestinian state.
Addressing the General Assembly, Netanyahu said:
"They accuse Israel, tiny Israel, of colonialism. What colonialism? So who is accusing us? Among them are people from England and France. For God's sake, they invented this concept."
STATEMENT FROM SARANDON
Susan Sarandon, known for films such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dead Man Walking and The Witches of Eastwick, is no stranger to protests against Israel's war in Gaza.
The American actor told reporters at the Venice Film Festival this month that he lost work because he spoke out his views.
"I've still had movies taken away from me recently because there are agencies telling people not to hire me. But that's the power structure," Sarandon said.
Stating that she thinks there is a change in the public's perspective on what happened, Sarandon continued her words as follows:
"I think there has been a change in terms of understanding of the situation and public attitudes. However, there are still views in my industry that are very strongly held by the Zionists, and their attitude towards me has not softened."
"But I found my family, I found my people, and I'm okay," Sarandon added.
"THE COST OF NOT TALKING IS HEAVIER"
Hannah Einbinder also previously said that the cost of remaining silent on the Palestine issue is heavier than losing her Hollywood career.
Citing the reactions that actors such as Susan Sarandon and Melissa Barrera faced in the industry, Einbinder said the following during the Cannes Film Festival this year:
“I think what they know is what I know: The cost of not speaking up is greater.”
Einbinder continued by stating that remaining silent had a greater price for him:
