Ben & Jerry’s Co-Founder Ben Cohen Arrested for Protesting U.S. Funding of Gaza Conflict at Senate Hearing

On May 15, 2025, Ben Cohen, who helped found Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested during a Senate hearing due to his protest of American support for Israel’s army during the Gaza conflict. Sitting in a wheelchair, the 74-year-old demonstrator joined others who stopped a speech by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while he outlined President Trump’s budget plan. Chants and signs could be heard from the crowd as Capitol Police arrived. Cohen’s arrest shows he is devoted to political campaigns, mainly concerning human rights in Gaza and other issues.

Senate Hearing Disrupted by Protesters Led by Cohen

At the Senate health committee, Cohen and a number of others stopped proceedings to focus on how the U.S. government provides military aid to Israel. As Kennedy Jr. gave details on the administration’s fiscal strategy, some protesters called for action to halt the alleged bombing of civilians in Gaza. As he was led out by police, Cohen told the camera, “They are using tax money to attack children in Gaza and take healthcare from children in the US.” He insisted on the urgent requirement for humanitarian aid in Gaza, given that famine conditions have grown worse, according to the U.N.

Capitol Police reported that Cohen was charged with crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in prison and a $500 fine. In addition, police arrested six people for resisting arrest and assaulting the officers.

Ben & Jerry’s Legacy of Social Activism Continues

Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield have long used their company to speak out on social and political issues. After Ben & Jerry’s was acquired by Unilever, the two continued to criticize Israel’s actions in Palestinian territories. Last year, the company stopped offering its products in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, based on ethical beliefs. According to Cohen, who is Jewish, this opinion is consistent with the company’s principles and differes from using criticism of Israeli policy as a form of antisemitism.

Recently, Ben & Jerry’s got into conflict with Unilever over matters of social advocacy, resulting in several lawsuits about censorship and executive dismissals related to the brand’s politics.