Hunter Schafer, the 25-year-old actor renowned for her roles in Euphoria and Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, was arrested while at a pro-Palestine protest with Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) in New York, reported the The Independent.
Schafer joined forces with Jewish-led anti-Zionist organisation JVP in a demonstration aimed at disrupting President Joe Biden’s appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The protest sought to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza amidst Israel’s continual bombing of Rafah.
According to reports, Schafer and approximately 50 other protesters were arrested at the NBC headquarters at the Rockefeller Centre in New York City. A JVP spokesperson commended Schafer’s dedication to the cause of Palestinian freedom and justice, emphasising her commitment to a future marked by equity and fairness for all.
During the protest, Schafer sported a t-shirt calling for a ceasefire. Videos and images from the event captured Schafer and fellow demonstrators chanting slogans urging an end to the violence and denouncing Biden’s foreign policy.
The group’s criticism of Biden’s administration called for a reassessment and a stronger push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Banners held by Schafer and her cohorts bore messages such as “Jews to Biden — stop arming genocide.”
JVP, described as the “largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organisation in the world,” outlined its mission on its website, emphasising solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle. Rooted in principles of justice, equality, and dignity for all, JVP aims to mobilise a diverse coalition of individuals to advocate for systemic change.
Schafer’s arrest underscores the intersection of celebrity activism and social justice movements. Her involvement amplifies the voices of Palestinian people advocating for peace and highlights the importance of using one’s platform to call for change.