Ben Cohen, one of the founders of the famous ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s, was arrested in the US Senate during a protest. The protest was about military aid to Israel and the poor humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Cohen and others interrupted Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at a hearing. Later, US Capitol Police verified that Cohen was one of seven people arrested overall.
What Happened During the Protest?
A video on social media shows Ben Cohen being taken away by the police, his hands tied behind his back. Someone asked him why he was getting arrested, and Cohen replied:
“Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US.”
This was a powerful political statement that criticised the government for funding war rather than providing healthcare for American children.
What Charges Did He Face?
Cohen was charged with “crowding, obstructing, or incommoding”, a minor offense (misdemeanour). This charge is often used in cases of civil disobedience (peaceful protests).
However, six other protesters who were arrested faced more serious charges, including resisting arrest and assaulting a police officer.
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Activism and Ben & Jerry’s: A Long History
It’s not only delicious ice cream that makes Ben & Jerry’s famous. It has backed numerous social and political issues since its founding in 1978, including:
- LGBTQ+ rights
- Awareness of climate change
- Fair trade
- Justice for all races
Ben & Jerry’s still has a separate board to uphold its principles and vision, despite Unilever purchasing the business in 2000.
Unilever and Ben & Jerry’s Are Having Legal Issues
Ben & Jerry’s made the audacious choice to discontinue selling ice cream in the West Bank, which is a region affected by the Israeli Palestinian conflict, in 2021. Its parent corporation, Unilever, became tense as a result.
Since then, the two companies have had several disagreements, and they are now involved in a legal battle.
In March, Ben & Jerry’s even sued Unilever, saying it had fired their CEO, David Stever, because of his support for the company’s political activism.
Unilever, in response, said it was disappointed that such private matters were shared publicly.
What Did Unilever Say About Ben Cohen’s Arrest?
A Unilever spokesperson made it clear that:
“Ben Cohen takes stances as an activist citizen on issues he finds personally important. These actions are his own and not on behalf of Ben & Jerry’s or Unilever.”
This means that Cohen acted as an individual, not as a representative of the company.
The Wider View: Gaza, Ice Cream, and Protest
The arrest of Ben Cohen is a part of a global movement to raise awareness of the situation in Gaza. Activism is nothing new to Ben & Jerry’s; it’s ingrained in their brand.
But it also shows how business, politics, and personal beliefs can clash, especially when the issues are so emotional and complex.
Source: BBC
