Ari Emanuel Calls For Netanyahu “To Go” During Speech At Wiesenthal Center Gala
Ari Emanuel Calls For Netanyahu “To Go” During Speech At Wiesenthal Center Gala
Ari Emanuel tonight left no ambiguity of what he thinks about Benjamin Netanyahu.
Speaking at the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s National Tribute Gala, where he was awarded its Humanitarian Prize, the Endeavor CEO blasted the Israeli prime minister, saying, “The time for Bibi Netanyahu to go has come.”
“This is a painful and crucial moment for all of us who are Jews. It is not a time to stay silent,” Emanuel said.
“Hamas could end this war today. This war needs to end … it’s not impossible,” he went on to declare to a few jeers upon recommending a negotiated peace to a two-state solution.
Sweeping aside the recent IOC war crimes claims against Netanyahu and the country’s Defense Minister, Emanuel lamented the “heartbreaking” death — which he briefly called “murder” — of children in Gaza. Taking a look around the globe at wars everywhere, Emanuel exclaimed, “Israel should not be held to a double standard.”
Added Emanuel added: “Netanyahu has tarnished the legacy that does not belong to him. We have a responsibility to speak out. The time for Bibi Netanyahu to go has come.”
There were a few scattered boos and several exits when Emanuel directly criticized the cynical methods of “problem creator” Netanyahu as the hindrance to a lasting peace. On the other hand, cries of “You go, Ari!” also punctuated the ballroom, as did applause for his scathing denunciation of the right-wing politician.
Some people, however, were seen walking out while he spoke.
In his opening remarks tonight, Wiesenthal Center CEO Jim Berk announced that the nonprofit is launching an “army of truth tellers” with the online #TruthFightsBack initiative. The former Participant executive also revealed that the Center’s Academy Award-winning media arm is evolving from just producing documentaries to TV series and other formats.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel alum Alex Bornstein was the emcee of the gala. In introducing Jeffrey Katzenberg, she described the longtime industry exec as “tireless” and “incapable of doing anything halfway.
Katzenberg then introduced Emanuel, pointing out that he was “not exactly known for being a shy and retiring fellow.”
Going through a litany of Emanuel’s charity and other philanthropic work, The DreamWorks co-founder praised tonight’s honoree as “fearless” and recalled the Endeavor leader’s calling out of Mel Gibson and Kanye West for their antisemitism.
Before Emanuel took the stage, a WME-produced video was played that featurd Larry David, Mark Wahlberg, family members (including a certain Ambassador to Japan), Ron Perlman, Morning Joe hosts, Dwanye Johnson, UFC’s Dana White, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and others. As one would expect, it was full of praise, but it also acknowledged Emanuel’s infamous short attention span, to laughter from the crowd.
Only the “shut the f*ck up” closer from WME co-chair Chistian Muirhead topped it in turns of crowd-pleasing.
Noting Emanuel’s past represention of “MAGA and Trump” to unease giggles, Tyler Perry got the audience roaring with tales of million-mile-an-hour fast conversations with the agent. “It’s like watching rabbits having sex,” the prolific multihyphenate said. “There’s bunnies everywhere.”
Staying well within the laughs, Perry also spoke of Emanuel’s heart, saying it “is something you want on your side.”
Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.