NEW YORK (AP) — Oscar-nominated actress Debra Winger was among more than 100 people arrested Thursday after demonstrators staged a sit-in outside United Nations headquarters as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the U.N. General Assembly. [theguardian.com], [aljazeera.com]
The protest, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, drew hundreds of demonstrators who blocked a roadway near the U.N. complex while calling for an end to U.S. military support for Israel and demanding action over the war in Gaza. Protesters wore shirts reading “Fund people not bombs” and chanted slogans including “Let Gaza live” and “The whole world is watching.” [theguardian.com], [jewishvoic…rpeace.org]
Winger, 71, shared photographs from the demonstration on social media, including an image showing her being handcuffed by police. The actress later wrote that it was “my honor to be arrested alongside the legend @lsansour,” referring to activist Linda Sarsour. [parade.com]
The actress rose to fame in the 1980s with starring roles in Urban Cowboy, An Officer and a Gentleman and Terms of Endearment, earning Academy Award nominations for the latter two films as well as Shadowlands. In more recent years she has appeared only occasionally on screen while devoting much of her time to political and social activism. [parade.com]
Several other prominent figures also took part in the demonstration. Reports identified actress Susan Sarandon, actress and comedian Hannah Einbinder, author Glennon Doyle and whistleblower Chelsea Manning among those detained. [parade.com], [theguardian.com]
According to organizers, more than 400 Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian and Lebanese New Yorkers joined the action, which blocked traffic for more than an hour near the U.N. before police moved in to make arrests. Jewish Voice for Peace said 104 people were arrested during the sit-in. [jewishvoic…rpeace.org], [democracynow.org]
The New York Police Department told reporters that 103 people were arrested on disorderly conduct charges and later released. [aljazeera.com]
The demonstration was one of several protests surrounding Netanyahu‘s visit to New York. Later in the day, thousands more protesters marched toward the United Nations carrying Palestinian flags and demanding sanctions against Israel. [theguardian.com]
In a statement, Jewish Voice for Peace said demonstrators were demanding that world leaders “stop arming Israel” and “end the genocide in Gaza.” The organization also criticized the decision to allow Netanyahu to address the General Assembly while an International Criminal Court warrant remains outstanding against him. [jewishvoic…rpeace.org]
Inside the United Nations, Netanyahu‘s address also sparked controversy, with dozens of delegates walking out during the speech in protest. Outside, demonstrators continued to accuse Israel and the United States of fueling the conflict, while supporters of the Israeli government defended its military actions as necessary for national security. [theguardian.com], [theguardian.com]
Winger has increasingly associated herself with activist causes in recent years and has previously spoken out on issues involving Israel and Palestinian rights. Her arrest placed one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actresses among the highest-profile participants detained during the protest.
