AhlulBayt News Agency: Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested during a protest in the US Senate against Washington’s military aid to Israel, which he argues has contributed to a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
In an opinion piece published in Newsweek, Cohen criticized the US government’s priorities, stating that it refuses to replace lead pipes poisoning communities while funding Israel’s war on Gaza.
Cohen described the Pentagon as the “Department of War”, calling it the most wasteful and corrupt government entity, consuming over half of the discretionary budget.
He argued that ending lead poisoning in the US would cost $45 billion, less than 5 percent of the Pentagon’s annual budget, while the US has spent over $22 billion in two years on bombs used against Palestinians.
During a Senate hearing, Cohen disrupted proceedings while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying. Video footage shows him being detained by police officers with his hands behind his back.
Cohen stated: “Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US.” He urged lawmakers to ease the siege on Gaza and allow food for starving children.
Police charged Cohen with crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $500 fine.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza on October 7, 2023, following Hamas’ Al-Aqsa Flood operation. Despite 19 months of aggression, Israel has failed to achieve its declared objectives, while killing at least 53,486 Palestinians and injuring 121,398 others.
/129
Your Comment