Protests at Columbia University have recently gained national attention, leading to over 100 student arrests and congressional hearings. One of the school’s most notable alumni, Robert K. Kraft, who is a New England Patriots owner and a major donor to Columbia, has announced that he will no longer contribute to the university until action is taken to address hate speech directed at students and staff. The campus in Upper Manhattan has been the site of intense demonstrations this month, with instances of harassment towards Jewish students and antisemitic comments being made outside the school gates, prompting Mr. Kraft to take a stand against antisemitism.
Mr. Kraft’s public efforts to combat antisemitism have been ongoing for some time, predating recent events in the Middle East. In response to attacks on Jews and synagogues in Pittsburgh, Poway, and beyond, Mr. Kraft established the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019. The foundation has launched a $25 million television campaign, including advertisements aired during prominent events such as the Academy Awards and the NFL season, focusing on the importance of Jews and non-Jews standing together against hate. Mr. Kraft emphasizes that the issue of antisemitism is a longstanding problem that requires sustained efforts to address.
The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism operates by monitoring hate speech online and using the data to mobilize people from diverse backgrounds to resist antisemitic behavior, particularly in the context of misinformation spread on social media. Mr. Kraft has convened leaders from the sports world, including Jewish athletes like Julian Edelman, to raise awareness and promote unity in the face of hate. He has also provided guidance to prominent figures such as the CEO of Adidas in responding to inflammatory remarks targeting Jews and various marginalized groups. Despite his past relationship with Donald Trump, Mr. Kraft’s focus on fostering intercommunity relationships remains steadfast.
In addition to combating antisemitism, Mr. Kraft is actively working to strengthen ties between Jewish and Black communities. Collaborating with Dr. Clarence Jones, a speechwriter for Martin Luther King Jr., he aims to highlight the historical alliance between African Americans and Jews. This effort was showcased in an advertisement during the Super Bowl and further discussed in a joint appearance at 92NY in New York, with Dr. Jones emphasizing the pivotal role of the Jewish community in the civil rights movement. Through these initiatives, Mr. Kraft continues his commitment to fostering unity and understanding across different communities in the face of discrimination and hate.
