Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan called New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani an “enemy” of Jews and accused him of normalizing antisemitism as he urged the Jewish community to confront the far-left pol directly.
“Someone who uses antisemitism in their campaign and normalizes antisemitism, he is our enemy,” Rowan proclaimed Monday night at a packed dinner hosted by UJA-Federation Wall Street.
“We should make no mistake, we face challenges at home. I don’t think we have to wait to know,” said the exec, who chairs UJA-Federation of New York’s board along with running one of the world’s biggest asset managers.
Nearly 2,000 people attended the dinner at the Marriott Marquis, which raised $57 million for pro-Israel causes, according to Jewish Insider.
“We need to be the ones to call him out. We need to say it. And I know that UJA, as it relates to the Jewish community, is going to do that,” Rowan said of Mamdani, a Muslim and Democratic socialist who takes office Jan. 1.
Mamdani’s inflammatory statements about Israel and Zionism have drawn heavy criticism from high-profile Jewish leaders and major Jewish organizations, including the American Jewish Committee.
The mayor-elect has described Israeli policy toward Palestinians as “genocide” and “apartheid” and has failed to condemn the chant “Globalize the intifada,” which pro-Israel groups say evokes violence against Jews.
Since Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Rowan, 62, has thrown himself into the fight against rising antisemitism in politics, philanthropy and higher education. He demanded University of Pennsylvania ditch president Liz Magill and Scott Bok, chair of the board of trustees, over the institution’s failure to condemn those attacks. The duo resigned months later.
At the Monday dinner, Rowan said the community must “show up” and maintain a “big tent,” but also be clear about identifying “enemies” when necessary.
“Make no mistake, these could potentially be dark times,” he told the crowd, warning of threats from both the far left and far right.
Rowan said the community must recognize personal risks taken by Jewish leaders and build alliances with outside groups that share their values.
“We have plenty of enemies,” he said.
While some Wall Street executives have signaled they would seek cooperation with the incoming mayor, many business leaders have voiced dread of Mamdani’s mayoralty.
“Come for the communism, stay for the globalizing of the intifada. Shrewd, New York City,” hedge fund titan Cliff Asness sarcastically said last month.
Rowan did not address Mamdani’s campaign pledges — including his vow to boost hate-crime prevention funding by 800%, a move seen as a bid to woo Jewish voters — but said Jewish New Yorkers were entering an uncertain period.
“We give, we show up, we have cohesion. We now need to lead,” he said.
Asked for comment on Rowan’s remarks, UJA-Federation shared its previous statement on Mamdani: “UJA-Federation will hold all elected officials, including Mayor-elect Mamdani, fully accountable for ensuring that New York remains a place where Jewish life and support for Israel are protected and can thrive, and loudly call out rhetoric and actions that delegitimize Israel or excuse antisemitism.”
The Post has sought comment from Apollo and Mamdani.
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