Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Arrested at Senate Protest Against Gaza Military Aid

Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested during a protest at the U.S. Senate, focusing on military aid to Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Ben Cohen, the co-founder of the popular ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, faced arrest during a high-profile protest in the U.S. Senate, aimed at raising awareness about military aid to Israel and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza. The protest erupted on Wednesday while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was presenting testimony.

Cohen, charged with a misdemeanour for crowding and obstructing, was filmed being escorted from the building with his hands restrained. In a video statement, he expressed his outrage, stating, "Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US." He was one of seven demonstrators taken into custody, with other participants facing more serious allegations, including assaulting a police officer.

The incident came just as Ben & Jerry's has been known for its bold public positions on various social issues, including LGBTQ+ rights and climate advocacy since its inception in 1978. The company, acquired by Unilever in 2000, has maintained a contentious relationship with its parent corporation, particularly following a decision to cease sales in the West Bank, igniting legal disputes between the two.

In response to inquiries, Unilever emphasized that Cohen's actions reflected his personal activism and were not representative of the company's stance. Furthermore, a legal dispute escalated in March when Ben & Jerry's alleged that Unilever dismissed its CEO over disagreements surrounding the brand's political activities, which Unilever promptly denied.

As tensions between the companies continue, Cohen's recent protest highlights an intensified call for global awareness regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the implications of U.S. military support.