Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, has been arrested during a protest at the U.S. Senate, where he called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza amid ongoing military support to Israel. The incident took place during a Senate hearing on Wednesday featuring Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Biden administration's foreign policy came under heavy scrutiny as demonstrators, including Cohen, disrupted the proceedings. Cohen was charged with a misdemeanor offense, while six other activists faced more severe charges. U.S. Capitol Police confirmed the arrests, stating that Cohen was apprehended for "crowding, obstructing or incommoding," a common charge used in civil disobedience cases within the capital.
In a video following his arrest, Cohen commented on the situation, stating, "Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US." His remarks underline growing tensions surrounding U.S. military aid and its implications for both foreign and domestic policy.
Ben & Jerry's, known for its outspoken positions on various social and political issues since its founding in 1978, has increasingly faced backlash over its stance concerning Israel-Palestine. Following a controversial decision in 2021 to halt sales in the West Bank, the relationship between Ben & Jerry's and its parent company Unilever has grown strained, culminating in a legal battle over corporate governance and activism.
In a response to the protest and the subsequent arrest, Unilever clarified that Cohen was acting as a private citizen rather than a representative of Ben & Jerry's or Unilever. The company's spokesperson stated, "Ben Cohen takes stances as an activist citizen on issues he finds personally important."
The pressure surrounding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ongoing conflict continues to ripple through political and corporate realms, with Ben & Jerry's invoking discussions on both ethical business practices and social justice.
