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Blackstone Boss Steve Schwarzman May Take Up Arms Against Antisemitism
Reports suggest that the battle against antisemitism may soon have a powerful and wealthy supporter – Steve Schwarzman, head of Blackstone. The private equity mogul, whose net worth is estimated at around $40 billion, has been expressing his anxiety regarding anti-Israeli protests happening at Yale University, his alma mater, as well as escalating attacks on Jews around the country, insiders reveal. Sources say that Schwarzman is considering using his influence and generous bank balance to fuel a counter-action.
As a Jewish individual, Schwarzman has been deeply concerned about rising antisemitism and is now determined to take up the fight, according to those in the know. Plans involving Schwarzman funding initiatives to battle antisemitism are still in the early ideas phase and have not been publicly disclosed till now. He is reportedly considering a move that could spark national debate and highlight antisemitism as an escalating national issue, rather than one localized on elite university campuses.
Schwarzman’s Proactive Role Discussed
Schwarzman’s team did not provide detailed information. However, they confirmed his contemplation on how to bolster the battle against antisemitism. If Schwarzman was to engage in this fight, it would represent a significant development against leftist protesters’ glorification of Hamas’s violent acts and condemnation of Israel’s right for defense.
Schwarzman has a long history of philanthropy. For example, he donated $150 million to Yale; the school’s Schwarzman Center is a hub for culture and learning. Meanwhile, in 2008, he donated a further $100 million for the renovation of the New York Public Library.
Antisemitism Centered Around Schwarzman’s Contributions
Despite these generous donations, both locations have become targets for antisemitic and pro-Hamas demonstrations. For instance, after a brutal attack by Hamas on a kibbutz and a music festival near Gaza that claimed around 1,200 lives, the Schwarzman Center became a focal point for protests. Similarly, the library was defaced by pro-Hamas graffiti and blood-red handprints were smeared over the dedication acknowledging Schwarzman’s substantial donation. The clean-up operation is projected to cost $75 million.
Protests Influencing American Foreign Policy?
The demonstrations are not only causing concern to Wall street supporters of Israel, but also seem to be altering policy decisions of Biden’s administration. Israel’s actions to eradicate the last signs of Hamas from the Gaza city of Rafah have recently been criticized by the President, leading figures in his administration, and much of the Democratic Party. Critics argue that this might be political appeasement in order to mollify leftist voters.
The Future Intersection of Politics and Philanthropy
This could potentially drive Schwarzman, a Republican, back to supporting Trump. He hasn’t confirmed his support for the ex-President in 2024 owing to the latter’s refusal to accept the 2020 election result. Other figures on Wall Street and corporate moguls have remained largely silent on antisemitism, with some exceptions such as Bill Ackman of Pershing Square Capital hedge fund and Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Management.
The fight will be an uphill one, especially with opposing liberal billionaires. Any efforts to combat antisemitism will involve dissecting it from our culture, an endeavor that is easier said than done. It’s important to recognise that Schwarzman, Ackman, and Rowan are unwittingly contributing to campus radicalism through their donations. These donations fund the hiring of leftist professors who denigrate Western civilization’s teaching and propagate anti-Americanism.
Regardless, it’s never too late to resist. We can look forward to Schwarzman taking action sooner rather than later.
Charles Gasparino is the author of the soon-to-be-published book “Go Woke, Go Broke: The Inside Story on the Radicalization of Corporate America.”
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