On Monday, Euphoria star Hunter Schafer was among the demonstrators arrested at a protest in support of Palestinian rights in New York City.

The 25-year-old Schafer participated in a demonstration held in the lobby of NBCUniversal headquarters, where President Joe Biden was filming an appearance on Late Night With Seth Meyers.

Multiple photos and videos shared on social media showed Schafer in a black T-shirt with the words “CEASE-FIRE NOW” as she was being escorted out of the building by police officers. The New York City Police Department confirmed that a group of 30 protesters was arrested for trespassing and disorderly conduct at 30 Rockefeller Plaza but did not specifically confirm Schafer’s arrest.

The protest was organized by Jewish Voice for Peace NYC, a group advocating for Palestinian freedom and justice. In a statement to NBC News, they said, “Hunter was arrested at the protest, along with 50 other people… We commend her commitment to Palestinian freedom and to a future of justice for everyone.”

Jewish Voice for Peace NYC shared photos and videos of the protest on social media that highlighted the participation of “hundreds of anti-Zionist Jews and allies.” The organization advocates for a permanent cease-fire in Gaza and opposes the notion of Israel as a Jewish state. They have accused Israel of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians and criticized the Biden administration for providing military funding to Israel.

Biden’s interview with Seth Meyers saw the host raise concerns about the horrific images of Gaza and asked about the prospects for a safe future for Palestinians.

Biden acknowledged the difficulties but mentioned that a path forward exists. He emphasized the need for Hamas to release Israeli hostages and expressed hope for a cease-fire. Biden also mentioned, “Ramadan is coming up, and there’s been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out.”

However, as reported to NBC News Sunday by an Israeli official, there has been “some progress” toward a cease-fire, but no imminent breakthrough. 

Biden defended his support for Israel and his self-identification as a Zionist and stated that the safety of Jews worldwide is connected to the existence of Israel. However, he also emphasized the importance of peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the ongoing process and potential for a two-state solution to ensure Israel’s security and the independence of Palestinians.

Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign after a Hamas terror attack, the Palestinian Health Ministry reports that over 29,900 people have been killed, more than 70,300 have been injured and thousands remain missing or presumed dead in Gaza. The Israeli military states that 576 soldiers have been killed since the attack, with 237 casualties occurring during the ground offensive that began on October 27. Additionally, approximately 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city.

Schafer was recently seen at Paris Fashion Week and at the premiere of the new Hunger Games film.

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Article by Baila Eve Zisman

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