President Biden’s largest Democratic donors are also funding some anti-Israel protests on college campuses, Politico reports. Some protesters have been chanting “Genocide Joe” in reference to Biden and his administration’s policies. Donors such as George Soros, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, David Rockefeller Jr., and Susan and Nick Pritzker—heiress to the Hyatt hotel empire—have contributed to both Biden and these protest groups. Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow are key groups that have organized demonstrations on college campuses, including Columbia University in New York City. These groups receive support from the Tides Foundation, which is funded by Soros and the Gates Foundation, among others.
An analysis by Politico revealed that the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, which includes Rockefeller Jr. on its board, gave $300,000 to the Tides Foundation in 2022. Additionally, the National Students for Justice in Palestine (NJSP), linked to around 200 independent chapters, has been prominent at Columbia University protests. NJSP operates under the Westchester Peace Action Committee Foundation (WESPAC) as a fiscal sponsor. WESPAC has reportedly received a large contribution from a nonprofit associated with Soros. These protests may complicate Biden’s efforts to garner the support of young voters leading up to the presidential election.
Biden had initially refrained from commenting on the anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses but eventually addressed the issue on Thursday. He stated that there should be no place for antisemitism or threats of violence against Jewish students on any campus or in America. Biden emphasized that hate speech or violence, whether targeted at Jews, Muslims, Arab Americans, or Palestinian Americans, is unacceptable and goes against American values. He condemned racism in all its forms and called it un-American. This response came following increasing unrest on college campuses over Israel-related issues, with some protesters directing their anger towards Biden and his administration.
The discovery of the involvement of Biden’s key donors in funding anti-Israel protests raises questions about their motivations and intentions. Soros, the Gates Foundation, David Rockefeller Jr., and the Pritzker family’s support for both Biden and these protest groups suggests a complicated relationship at play. The influence of these donors on shaping the political landscape and funding various causes, including those that are in opposition to the sitting president’s policies, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The revelation of these connections may prompt further scrutiny and discussion regarding the intersection of politics, philanthropy, and activism.
The impact of these protests on Biden’s political prospects cannot be overlooked. As he seeks to mobilize support from various constituents, including young voters, the presence of anti-Israel demonstrations on college campuses poses a challenge. The ability of these protests to influence public opinion and shape the narrative around Biden’s presidency could have repercussions in the upcoming presidential election. Addressing the concerns raised by these protesters while also maintaining a strong stance against antisemitism and hate speech will require a delicate balance on Biden’s part as he navigates the complexities of the situation.
Overall, the intersection of political contributions, activism, and presidential policies highlighted in this report underscores the complexity of the modern political landscape. The involvement of key Democratic donors in funding anti-Israel protests reveals the interconnected nature of political interests, philanthropic endeavors, and social movements. The challenge for Biden and his administration lies in addressing these issues while upholding principles of tolerance, respect, and democracy. Finding a path forward that acknowledges the concerns of various groups while also upholding core American values will be crucial in navigating the current political climate and shaping the future direction of the country.
