Ben & Jerry’s Founder Arrested During Senate Hearing While Protesting Gaza War: What Happened?

One of the founders of Ben & Jerry’s, Ben Cohen, was arrested in Washington, D.C. for protesting during a Senate committee hearing. He was speaking out against U.S. funding for Israel amidst the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Cohen, 74, was part of a group that interrupted a health committee meeting as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discussed President Trump’s budget proposal. The protesters voiced their concerns and displayed signs, which led to their removal by Capitol Police. A video posted by Cohen showed him being detained, hands cuffed behind his back.

In the video, Cohen criticized Congress for funding military actions while cutting support for poor children in the U.S. He insisted that lawmakers should prioritize humanitarian aid, stating, “They need to let food to starving kids.”

Cohen was charged with crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, a misdemeanor that could lead to a fine or up to 90 days in jail. Other protesters faced additional charges, including assaulting a police officer. Cohen was later released from custody.

Cohen and his co-founder, Jerry Greenfield, have long advocated for social justice issues, including criticizing Israel’s actions in the West Bank. Although they sold Ben & Jerry’s to Unilever in 2000, they continue to be vocal about political matters. In 2021, the company chose to stop selling ice cream in Israeli-occupied territories, stating it conflicted with their values. They also expressed in a New York Times piece that questioning Israeli policies does not equate to antisemitism.

This decision sparked significant backlash, impacting sales and prompting Unilever to sell its Ben & Jerry’s franchise in Israel to a local partner. Additionally, Unilever announced plans to spin off its ice cream division in March 2024 as part of cost-cutting efforts. Cohen and Greenfield even filed a lawsuit against Unilever, alleging that the company dismissed its CEO due to the brand’s activism, a claim Unilever disputes.

Public reactions to these events have been swift, especially on social media platforms where users discuss the intersection of business and activism. As social media debates grow around corporate responsibility and social justice, more voices are joining in, expressing a mix of support and criticism.

The contrast between past and present actions of the company raises questions about how businesses navigate political waters in today’s climate. As noted by market analysts, companies are increasingly being held accountable for their social positions, reflecting a broader trend where consumers prefer to support brands that align with their values.

For more insight into these complex issues, you can refer to reports from organizations like the Pew Research Center, which regularly tracks public opinion on social and political issues.

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Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts,United States Politics and Government,Demonstrations, Protests and Riots,Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc,Cohen, Ben (1951- ),Kennedy, Robert F Jr