Janik, 52, a personal shopper to the stars who’s crossed paths with big names like Celine Dion, Rihanna, Brooke Shields and Mayor Eric Adams, pleaded not guilty during his Friday evening arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court, hours after he was arrested.
The alleged antisemite was released without bail for his role in the Tuesday night clash, which started when Janik was asked by Rabbi Chezky Wolff to rein in his unleashed dog, Hudson.
Video shows Janik bashing the father-of-six in the head with his bag, sending Wolff’s glasses and yarmulke flying.
Aleksander Janik, the man caught on camera thumping a prominent New York City rabbi with his heavy tote bag outside the Chelsea Hotel, has been taken into custody, according to sources. Surveillance video shows Aleksander Janik Sobieski hitting Rabbi Chezky Wolff on June 4 outside the Chelsea Hotel in New York City. Obtained by the NY Post
“Yes, I pushed him. I pushed him with my bag,” Janik freely admitted to The Post Wednesday in a softened description of what the video shows.
He claimed he was defending himself after being harassed, and said Wolff started recording and following him after the men exchanged words about the dog, which had just approached the open doors of the Chelsea Shul where the Rabbi works.
Janik’s social media is filled with photos of him posing with stars, including James Corden Instagram/Janik Sobieski
“I protect my dog and myself. A stranger man who’s following me with their phone in my face, I ought to protect myself. I don’t know him,” Janik said.
Janik denied the attack was motivated by antisemitism and said he considers himself “half-Jewish.”
“I support the Jewish community. I’m a very huge fan of every religion,” Janik said.
Wolff’s lawyer, Cary London, a member of the Chelsea Shul’s congregation, scoffed at Janik’s assertion: “We have no response to an antisemite’s lies. Again — the Jewish people just want peace.”
London said the tote bag appeared to be stuffed with books or a laptop, which left a mark on the Rabbi’s head.
Janic (pictured with Celine Dion) admitted that he hit the rabbi, but said he was defending himself. He also denied he is antisemitic. Instagram/Janik Sobieski Janic (seen with Chris Rock) is a celebrity stylist and personal shopper. Instagram/Janik Sobieski
Janik denied the attack was motivated by antisemitism and said he considers himself “half-Jewish.”
Janik’s lawyer declined to talk with The Post Friday.
Janik’s Instagram account, which is filled with pictures of him at flashy events posing with celebrities, opens with the message: “‘Ubuntu’ is an ancient African word meaning ‘humanity to others.’”
Liora Rez, founder of StopAntisemitism, said he was “profoundly relieved” that Janik had been charged.
“In 2024, it is intolerable that Jews should still live in fear of assault and be subjected to vile antisemitic slurs,” Rez said in a statement.
“No one should endure such hatred and it is time to stand united against this abhorrent behavior.”
Additional reporting by Dorian Geiger
For the latest metro stories, top headlines, breaking news and more, visit nypost.com/metro/
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