Controversial Remarks at Met Council Gala: Benjamin Tisch Calls Zohran Mamdani 'Enemy' of Jewish People
The brother of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Benjamin Tisch, made controversial remarks about Zohran Mamdani, calling him an "enemy" of the Jewish people at a charity event. The event, hosted by the Met Council, took place at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Columbus Circle. Benjamin Tisch's comment surprised some attendees, especially since his sister had recently accepted Mamdani's offer to continue as NYPD commissioner when he becomes mayor on January 1.
Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist set to become the city's first Muslim mayor, has been a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights and a critic of the Israeli government's treatment of Palestinians. He has faced accusations of fostering antisemitism due to his positions on Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state, which he vehemently denies. Benjamin Tisch's comment follows similar remarks made by Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan at another charity event.
During the 2025 mayoral race, members of Tisch's family donated over $1 million to super PACs that opposed Mamdani and supported Andrew Cuomo. Jessica Tisch, the NYPD commissioner, did not make any donations to candidates during the race. Despite their disagreements on public safety proposals, including the disbanding of the NYPD's Strategic Response Group, Mamdani and Tisch have expressed a commitment to working together in the future.
The recent comments made by Benjamin Tisch at the Met Council gala highlight the ongoing tensions between supporters of Mamdani and those who have opposed his political views. As Mamdani prepares to take office as mayor, the city will be watching closely to see how these relationships evolve and whether they can find common ground on key issues facing New York City.