Apollo’s Marc Rowan Urges UJA Donors to Speak Out Against Antisemitism

Apollo’s Marc Rowan Urges UJA Donors to Speak Out Against Antisemitism It’s usually a happy night for Wall Street machers — a holiday-spirited moment to celebrate and raise money for Jewish organizations in New York and Israel. But this year, the annual UJA Wall Street Dinner took a different tone, as donors and speakers addressed the pressing issue of rising antisemitism. Marc Rowan, the co-founder and CEO of Apollo Global Management, used his speech to urge attendees to speak out against this growing problem. Rowan began his speech by acknowledging the challenging times we are living in. He discussed the alarming increase in antisemitic incidents across the globe, including the recent violent attacks on Jews in the United States and Europe. This disturbing trend, Rowan noted, poses a threat not only to the Jewish community but to the values of diversity, acceptance, and freedom that our society cherishes. As someone who has achieved great success in the financial industry, Rowan recognized the power and influence that Wall Street leaders hold. He called on his fellow donors to use their platform to raise awareness about antisemitism and to denounce it in all its forms. Rowan emphasized the importance of speaking out against hate and discrimination, even if it may be uncomfortable or unpopular. He urged attendees to use their positions of privilege to amplify the voices of victims and to take a stand against antisemitic rhetoric and actions. The Apollo CEO also addressed the role of technology in fueling antisemitism. With the rise of social media and online platforms, hate speech and conspiracy theories can spread quickly and reach a wide audience. Rowan urged the tech industry to take responsibility for monitoring and combating this issue, calling for stricter regulations and better enforcement of policies that prohibit hate speech and harassment. In addition to addressing the Jewish community's concerns, Rowan also expressed his support for other marginalized groups facing discrimination. He argued that fighting against antisemitism should go hand in hand with combating racism, homophobia, and other forms of bigotry. Rowan's speech resonated with the audience, who responded with applause and expressions of solidarity. Many attendees were moved by his call to action and pledged to speak out against antisemitism in their personal and professional lives. The UJA Wall Street Dinner is a significant event in the Jewish philanthropic world. It brings together prominent figures from the finance industry to raise funds for charitable causes. This year's dinner served as a reminder that philanthropy is not just about writing checks; it's also about using one's influence to effect positive change in society. The fight against antisemitism requires a collective effort, and Rowan's speech highlighted the importance of unity and solidarity. He encouraged attendees to come together as a community, across religious, cultural, and political lines, to combat hatred and build a more inclusive society. Many other speakers at the event echoed Rowan's sentiments. They discussed the importance of education and advocacy in the fight against antisemitism, emphasizing the need to educate young people about the history of antisemitism and its devastating consequences. Several organizations were recognized for their outstanding work in combating antisemitism and promoting Jewish identity. The UJA-Federation of New York, the Anti-Defamation League, and Hillel International were among the honorees, praised for their tireless efforts to protect Jewish communities and promote understanding and tolerance. The UJA Wall Street Dinner drew a diverse crowd of business leaders, philanthropists, and community activists. The event showcased the unity and resilience of the Jewish community in the face of adversity. It also served as a call to action for everyone, regardless of their religious or cultural background, to stand up against hate and discrimination. As we navigate these challenging times, it is crucial for individuals and organizations to use their resources and influence to combat antisemitism. Marc Rowan's speech at the UJA Wall Street Dinner is a reminder that philanthropy is not just about writing checks; it's about using one's voice and platform to effect meaningful change in society. Together, we can create a world that is free from hate and discrimination.