Ben Cohen Arrested During Protest at Senate Hearing
Ben Cohen, who co-founded Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream, was arrested for allegedly “crowding and obstructing” during a protest related to the Gaza situation at a U.S. Senate hearing.
On Wednesday, Cohen expressed his stance while Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was addressing the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. Activists criticized the Secretary for his anti-vaccine views, shouting phrases like “If Bobby lies, your child dies” and “Anti-Vax, anti-science, anti-American.”
During this outburst, Cohen chose to voice his protest about Gaza. Footage shared on social media captured the moment he was removed from the hearing, handcuffed, and escorted out.
As he was being taken away, someone asked him why he was arrested. He responded: “Congress will buy bombs to kill poor children in Gaza, kick children from Medicaid in the U.S. and pay for it.” He continued, saying, “Congress and the senators need to ease the siege. They should ensure food reaches Gaza and feed the hungry children.”
Currently, Gaza is under an Israeli lockdown that has lasted for over ten weeks, severely restricting essential supplies like food, fuel, and medicine for its 2.3 million residents. Many are left with just limited supplies of canned and dry goods.
This week, food security experts warned that Gaza faces a “significant risk of hunger.”
Cohen, along with Jerry Greenfield, started their ice cream business in Burlington, Vermont, after meeting in school on Long Island, New York. Their brand grew into one of the largest ice cream companies in the U.S.
Both founders have taken on roles as activists and philanthropists through their respective foundations. Cohen has been a notable supporter of Bernie Sanders, the independent U.S. senator and Democratic presidential candidate based in Burlington.
Over the years, Cohen and Greenfield have been outspoken about Israeli-Palestinian issues. They identify as “prideful Jews” who support Israel, yet they have also been vocal critics of the Israeli government’s actions.
In 2021, they collaborated on an article for The New York Times defending the company’s stance on the matter, stating that supporting the company’s decisions does not contradict their Jewish values. They advocated for justice and human rights as core tenets of Judaism.
Cohen is facing charges along with seven other protesters from the demonstration. The charges, related to “crowding, obstruction, or rude behavior,” are often utilized against demonstrators in Washington, D.C., carrying potential penalties of a $500 fine, up to 90 days in prison, or both.
