Anti-Israel protesters at college campuses are reportedly receiving funding from prominent Democratic donors who have supported President Biden’s re-election efforts. Among these donors are George Soros, the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, David Rockefeller Jr., and Susan and Nick Pritzker. Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow are the main organizations backing the protests, along with the Tides Foundation which receives funding from Soros and the Gates foundation. The Rockefeller Fund has also donated to the Tides Foundation, which in turn has provided funding to Jewish Voice for Peace.
The protests have been criticized for their anti-Zionist stance and for blaming Israel and the US for attacks rather than Hamas. President Biden has voiced his support for peaceful protests but denounced violence, vandalism, and destruction of property. The Pritzkers have supported groups involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations and the president, as well as donating to Biden’s 2020 campaign. Elisha Wiesel, a Democratic donor, questioned why the Rockefeller Fund is providing grants to organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace.
In addition to college campus protests, anti-Israel activists have disrupted President Biden’s speeches and events, accusing him of supporting genocide. Some Democratic leaders have been interrupted by protesters calling for an end to US involvement in Israel’s war with Hamas. A left-wing dark money group funded by Soros has provided bail and legal support for activists arrested during protests, including those blocking major roads and highways. A15 Action, a group coordinating economic blockades in solidarity with Palestine, has directed users to a bail and legal defense fund hosted by ActBlue.
The pro-Palestinian demonstrations have sparked online criticism, with many pointing out that the funding sources are not surprising given the donors’ political affiliations. Some have questioned the motives behind the donations to organizations like Jewish Voice for Peace and expressed concern over their anti-Israel rhetoric. Despite the criticisms, the protests continue to gain momentum, with activists voicing their opposition to US involvement in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. President Biden reiterated his support for peaceful protests but made it clear that violent actions and destruction of property are not protected under the law.
