Ben Cohen, Co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, Arrested for Protesting Gaza War

• Ben Cohen Arrested in Congress
• Protest Against Gaza War
• Activist Signs Manifesto Against AIPAC

Ben Cohen, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested on Wednesday for interrupting a congressional hearing in the United States.

During the appearance of Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cohen protested against the war in Gaza.

In the middle of the session, Cohen shouted: “Congress funds the bombs that kill children in Gaza.”

His act of protest, which reflects his leftist activism, aimed to draw attention to the link between U.S. funding for Israel and domestic cuts to medical programs.

Ben Cohen Arrested During Protest in Congress

I told Congress they’re killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they’re paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US. This was the authorities’ response. pic.twitter.com/uof7xrzzwm
— Ben Cohen (@YoBenCohen), May 14, 2025

The activist was swiftly removed from the chamber as a video of the incident, shared by the group Codepink, spread on social media.

The footage shows Capitol Police restraining Cohen with plastic zip-ties and escorting him out.

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Cohen’s arrest aligns with his long history as a political activist.

In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s made headlines by halting sales of its products in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as part of a protest against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.

Activist Ben Cohen Protests Gaza War

Cohen’s activism extends beyond public protests.

In 2022, the co-founder signed a manifesto condemning the influence of the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC on U.S. politics.

Signing that document was a bold challenge to the political and economic power held by groups that support Israeli policies in the United States.

Over the years, Cohen has made it clear that he is unafraid to use his platform and public recognition to advocate for causes he believes in.

A Prominent Public Figure

Despite criticism, his stance on the Gaza war and his opposition to the Israeli occupation remain central to his activism.

This incident is not isolated but part of his ongoing record of protest, according to EFE and USA Today.

Ben Cohen continues to be a prominent figure in American political discourse, particularly on issues concerning social justice and human rights in Palestine.

His arrest serves as a reminder of the growing polarization surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the lengths to which activists will go to spotlight political decisions affecting millions around the globe.