Hunter Schafer, the talented actress known for her roles in the hit teen drama Euphoria and Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, found herself in the spotlight for a different reason on Monday. The 25-year-old star was arrested during a pro-Palestine protest organized by the Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) at NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Center.
The Arrest
Schafer, along with approximately 50 other protesters, gathered outside the NBC headquarters to voice their demands for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The protest aimed to disrupt President Joe Biden’s appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers. The Jewish-led self-described “anti-Zionist” organization, JVP, has been actively advocating for Palestinian freedom and justice.
A Call for Ceasefire
Wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with a powerful slogan demanding a ceasefire, Schafer stood alongside fellow activists. In a video posted on the organization’s Instagram account, they chanted, “No more weapons, no more war, ceasefire’s what we’re fighting for.” Their message was clear: they wanted President Biden to take a stand and push for an end to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The Banner and the Message
A banner held by Schafer and her fellow protesters read, “Jews to Biden – stop arming genocide.” Their criticism of Biden’s foreign policy resonated with the crowd, as they urged the administration to reconsider its stance and prioritize peace in the region.
JVP: A Vision of Justice
The Jewish Voice for Peace describes itself as the “largest progressive Jewish anti-Zionist organization in the world.” Their mission is to build a grassroots movement of US Jews in solidarity with the Palestinian freedom struggle. Guided by a vision of justice, equality, and dignity for all people, they aim to dismantle structures that sustain injustice and create something new and life-sustaining in their place.
Schafer’s Commitment
A spokesperson for JVP commended Schafer’s commitment to Palestinian freedom, stating, “We commend her commitment to Palestinian freedom and to a future of justice for everyone.” The actress’s arrest highlights the intersection of art, activism, and social justice, as she uses her platform to advocate for change.
The NYPD and Schafer’s representatives have yet to comment on the arrest. However, one thing is certain: Hunter Schafer’s passion extends beyond the screen, and her voice continues to resonate in the fight for a better world.
