Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream and longtime activist, was arrested on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, during a protest at a U.S. Senate hearing. The demonstration, which took place during Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s testimony before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, focused on U.S. military aid to Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Cohen, along with six other protesters, disrupted the hearing by voicing opposition to U.S. policies, accusing Congress of funding military actions that harm children in Gaza while simultaneously cutting domestic healthcare programs like Medicaid. As he was escorted out by Capitol Police, Cohen stated, “Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US.”
The protesters were charged with misdemeanors, including “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding,” which can carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine. Some individuals faced additional charges such as resisting arrest or assaulting a police officer.
Cohen’s arrest underscores his continued commitment to activism. In 2021, he and co-founder Jerry Greenfield supported Ben & Jerry’s decision to cease sales in Israeli-occupied territories, citing concerns over human rights . Although Ben & Jerry’s is now owned by Unilever, Cohen and Greenfield have maintained their advocacy for social justice causes, said reports.
The incident has drawn attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a blockade has led to severe shortages of food, fuel, and medicine for its 2.3 million residents. Food security experts warn that the region is at critical risk of famine.
A video capturing Cohen being dragged out of the Senate hearing is available here:
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