It was a wild scene in New York City on Thursday as Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the UN headquarters. While he addressed the general assembly inside, things were getting heated on the streets. Hundreds of protesters—including Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese New Yorkers—gathered to make their voices heard, and the vibes were intense. Many were rocking shirts that said “Fund people not bombs” and holding banners calling for an end to the genocide, while some even flew a kite reading “Free Palestine.”
High-profile arrests
Things escalated when protesters staged a sit-in, blocking traffic for over an hour. The NYPD eventually moved in, and by the time the dust settled, over 100 people were taken into custody. The list of those detained was long and included some major names. Actor Susan Sarandon, whistleblower Chelsea Manning, comedian Caleb Hearon, model and actor Indya Moore, author Glennon Doyle, activist Linda Sarsour, and rabbi Abby Stein were all among those cuffed. They didn’t seem to resist, simply waiting as police ordered the crowds to disperse.
Local politicians were in the mix, too. At least 10 city and state officials or candidates were arrested, including city council members Chi Ossé and Tiffany Cabán. Many of these figures recently won primaries by running on platforms calling for an end to U.S. aid to Israel—a massive shift in the political landscape.
The political fallout
This protest is just the latest in a week of demonstrations. Earlier, the Democratic Socialists of America’s NYC chapter rallied at JFK airport to oppose weapons being shipped to the Israeli military. For many, this is about more than just a speech; it’s about demanding that the U.S. stops funding what they call a genocide. “We will not be silent as our government fully funds a genocide in Palestine,” said actor Hannah Einbinder, who was arrested prior to the main protest.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani found himself in a tough spot. He’s previously called Netanyahu a “war criminal” and even teased the idea of arresting him, though he later admitted he lacked the legal authority. While Mamdani stayed away from the protests, he maintained that New Yorkers have the right to hit the streets, saying, “We respect that right and this is a city that is proud of the constitution.”
Why it matters
Public opinion in the U.S. regarding the war in Gaza has shifted in a major way, and it’s lowkey shaking up local elections. With candidates winning by calling out Israel’s policies, the days where reflexive support for the nation was a political requirement are officially over. This isn't just about a speech; it's a reflection of a deeper, growing anger toward how tax dollars are being used.
