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The Ben Cohen Gaza protest made national headlines on May 14, 2025, after the Ben & Jerry’s co-founder was arrested during a U.S. Senate hearing.
Cohen interrupted the session to denounce U.S. military support for Israel and highlight the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The protest took place during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing, where Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was delivering testimony.
Takeaway: A routine hearing turned into a political flashpoint.
What Happened
Cohen joined six others in the chamber, shouting over lawmakers and holding signs that accused Congress of funding weapons at the expense of social services like Medicaid. Video shows Capitol Police escorting him out with his hands restrained.
As he was removed, he shouted:
“Congress pays for bombs to kill children in Gaza… They need to let food into Gaza, they need to let food to starving kids!”
The Ben Cohen Gaza protest quickly circulated online, drawing reactions across the political spectrum.
Takeaway: The protest was loud, visual, and strategically timed for maximum attention.
Legal Consequences
Cohen was charged with the misdemeanor offense of “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding,” commonly used in D.C. for nonviolent protests. If convicted, he faces up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine.
Other protesters faced more severe charges, including resisting arrest and assaulting police officers.
Takeaway: While Cohen’s charge was light, the broader protest carried heavier legal risks.
A History of Activism
The Ben Cohen Gaza protest aligns with a long pattern of political engagement. Cohen and co-founder Jerry Greenfield have consistently used their platform to support progressive causes. In 2021, Ben & Jerry’s halted sales in Israeli-occupied territories, citing human rights concerns.
Cohen, who is Jewish, has accused the U.S. of supplying weapons for what he called “genocide” in Gaza. His latest protest was a continuation of this vocal stance.
Takeaway: This wasn’t a one-off. Cohen’s been building to this moment for years.
Public Reaction and Release
After the protest, Cohen was released from custody. Social media lit up with both praise and criticism. Supporters saw him as standing up for oppressed civilians. Critics called it political theater.
Still, the Ben Cohen Gaza protest succeeded in one thing: forcing the issue into the spotlight.
Takeaway: Whether you agree with him or not, Cohen got the nation’s attention.
