The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, saw many people being detained, including Hollywood actor Susan Sarandon.
Pro-Palestinian protesters marched through Manhattan on Thursday, condemning the war in Gaza and calling for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrest after his address to the United Nations.
Demonstrators gathered on the steps of the New York Public Library before taking to the streets, waving Palestinian flags and carrying banners reading ‘New York rejects Zionism’ and ‘Palestine deserves freedom - Netanyahu does not!’
Protesters said images of children killed and families going hungry in Gaza had compelled them to attend. Some criticized continued US support for Israel and questioned why Netanyahu had been allowed to address the UN.
Others stressed that opposition to Israel’s government should not be equated with hostility toward Jewish people.
A religious Jewish participant rejected Netanyahu’s claim to speak on behalf of his faith and called for his imprisonment.
The protest took place during the UN General Assembly’s 81st general debate in New York.
Dozens of protesters, including actor Susan Sarandon, were detained by the police after staging a sit-in in the roadway.
Officers helped Sarandon to her feet and detained her near UN headquarters. Police also detained another demonstrator, whose wrists were secured with zip ties.
The demonstration, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, took place at East 39th Street and First Avenue, near UN headquarters, during the General Assembly.
Protesters sat in the street as police moved in to detain them, using zip ties to restrain participants.
Demonstrators chanted “Stop the bombs, end the killing, fight like hell for the living!” and held banners reading ‘Jews Say Stop Arming Israel.’
Organizers said the action was timed to coincide with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's scheduled address to the assembly.
