Ben Cohen: from creating ice cream to activism — the story of fighting for progressive ideas
16 may 2025 в 07:13
Ben Cohen, the colorful co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s, is making headlines again — not because of ice cream, but because of his activist activities. During a recent Senate hearing, Cohen was arrested for participating in a protest against US policy in Gaza, highlighting his long-term commitment to progressive ideas.
From creating a socially responsible dessert empire to supporting political reforms — here’s what you need to know about the man behind the pint.
Cohen is an American businessman, activist, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., the famous ice cream company. Born on March 18, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York, Cohen grew up in Merrick, Long Island. He met his future business partner, Jerry Greenfield, in a gym class in middle school in 1963. In 1978, the duo opened their first ice cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, after taking a course in ice cream making. Their company became known not only for its original flavors, but also for its commitment to social and environmental issues.
Cohen’s net worth is estimated to be around $ 150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth mainly comes from his involvement in creating Ben & Jerry’s, which was sold to Unilever in 2000 for $ 326 million. Despite stepping down as CEO in 1996, Cohen remains active in various social and political movements.
On May 14, 2025, Cohen was arrested during a protest at a US Senate hearing, where Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying. Cohen disrupted the proceedings, stood up, and accused Congress of prioritizing military spending over healthcare, specifically stating that Congress is «killing poor children in Gaza by buying bombs and paying for it by cutting Medicaid programs in the US». Despite warnings from Capitol police, Cohen and other protesters continued their demonstration, leading to their removal and arrest. Cohen was charged with misdemeanors of creating a crowd, obstructing or impeding passage, which could result in a fine of $ 500 or up to 90 days in jail
From creating a socially responsible dessert empire to supporting political reforms — here’s what you need to know about the man behind the pint.
Cohen is an American businessman, activist, and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., the famous ice cream company. Born on March 18, 1951 in Brooklyn, New York, Cohen grew up in Merrick, Long Island. He met his future business partner, Jerry Greenfield, in a gym class in middle school in 1963. In 1978, the duo opened their first ice cream shop in a renovated gas station in Burlington, Vermont, after taking a course in ice cream making. Their company became known not only for its original flavors, but also for its commitment to social and environmental issues.
Cohen’s net worth is estimated to be around $ 150 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. His wealth mainly comes from his involvement in creating Ben & Jerry’s, which was sold to Unilever in 2000 for $ 326 million. Despite stepping down as CEO in 1996, Cohen remains active in various social and political movements.
On May 14, 2025, Cohen was arrested during a protest at a US Senate hearing, where Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was testifying. Cohen disrupted the proceedings, stood up, and accused Congress of prioritizing military spending over healthcare, specifically stating that Congress is «killing poor children in Gaza by buying bombs and paying for it by cutting Medicaid programs in the US». Despite warnings from Capitol police, Cohen and other protesters continued their demonstration, leading to their removal and arrest. Cohen was charged with misdemeanors of creating a crowd, obstructing or impeding passage, which could result in a fine of $ 500 or up to 90 days in jail
© Puhova Marina
