Ben Cohen, co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, was detained by U.S. Capitol Police on Wednesday during a protest at the Senate calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.
The 73-year-old activist-businessman was among several demonstrators arrested in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office Building as they demanded an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
The demonstration was organized by the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace, which has been staging sit-ins across Washington.
The group hopes to pressure lawmakers into supporting a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid ongoing conflict.
Ben Cohen: ‘I Can’t Call Myself an American’
In a post-detainment statement, Cohen expressed deep frustration with the U.S. government’s stance on the Israel-Gaza war. “I can’t call myself an American if our government continues to fund war crimes,” Cohen said. “As a Jew, I believe we are commanded to speak out against injustice. What’s happening in Gaza is a moral catastrophe.”
Cohen’s arrest reignited his long history of activism. Over the years, he has been a vocal critic of U.S. foreign policy, corporate influence in politics, and social injustices ranging from climate change to voting rights.
His ice cream company, known for its progressive values, has often found itself at the center of political debates — including a high-profile decision in 2021 to stop selling products in Israeli-occupied territories.
Protest Targets U.S. Aid to Israel
Wednesday’s protest was specifically aimed at halting American military assistance to Israel, which activists argue perpetuates the cycle of violence in Gaza.
Chanting “ceasefire now” and holding banners denouncing U.S. complicity in the conflict, demonstrators filled the Senate building with echoes of dissent.
Capitol Police arrested more than a dozen protesters, including Cohen, for “unlawful demonstration activity,” according to a police statement. The group was processed and released later in the day.
Cohen: A Legacy of Speaking Out
Cohen’s participation underscored the growing frustration among American Jews who oppose Israel’s military actions and seek to separate Jewish identity from the policies of the Israeli government.
“This is not anti-Israel or anti-Semitic,” Cohen clarified. “This is about human rights, international law, and the moral responsibility we all share.”
Cohen’s arrest marks yet another chapter in his legacy of blending business success with activism. From opposing the Iraq War to advocating for campaign finance reform, the Ben & Jerry’s co-founder has consistently used his platform to challenge political orthodoxy.
Gaza Crisis Intensifies Global Pressure
The Senate protest comes amid escalating calls for a ceasefire from global leaders, humanitarian organizations, and segments of the American public.
With mounting civilian casualties and a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, critics argue that U.S. military aid enables disproportionate force and violates international human rights standards.
Despite increasing domestic pressure, U.S. lawmakers remain divided. While some progressive Democrats have pushed for conditional aid and ceasefire resolutions, bipartisan leadership continues to back Israel’s right to self-defense.
What’s Next for the Movement
Jewish Voice for Peace and allied organizations vow to continue protests until substantive policy changes are made. Cohen, undeterred by his arrest, signaled his commitment to keep pushing for an end to U.S. involvement in the conflict.
“This is not a moment to stay silent. The lives of innocent people depend on us raising our voices — loudly and persistently,” Cohen said.
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