Ben Cohen, the co-founder of the iconic ice cream brand Ben & Jerry's, was taken into custody during a protest that erupted in the US Senate focused on military assistance to Israel and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The demonstration unfolded on a Wednesday when Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was delivering testimony. Alongside Cohen, six additional protesters were arrested, each of whom faces more severe legal charges, including assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest, as reported by US Capitol Police.
Footage that circulated on social media captured Cohen being led away from the Senate premises with his hands restrained. After his arrest, Cohen spoke out, stating, "Congress kills poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and pays for it by kicking kids off Medicaid in the US." According to police, Cohen was charged with a misdemeanour for crowding, obstructing, or incommoding, a common charge during civil disobedience incidents in Washington D.C.
Since its founding in 1978 by Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, Ben & Jerry's has been vocal on various social and political matters, advocating for issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and environmental protection. The company was acquired by Unilever in 2000, creating an independent board aimed at preserving Ben & Jerry's mission and values. However, tensions between the two companies have escalated, particularly after Ben & Jerry's decision in 2021 to stop sales in the West Bank, which has prompted ongoing legal disputes.
In response to inquiries, Unilever stated that Cohen's actions reflect his personal beliefs as an activist and do not represent Ben & Jerry's or the company itself. Earlier this year, Ben & Jerry's filed a lawsuit alleging that Unilever wrongfully terminated its CEO due to opposing views on the brand’s political activism. Unilever expressed disappointment that internal personnel matters had become public. The ongoing disagreement has intensified in light of Ben & Jerry's strong calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
