Robert Kraft – Leading the Fight Against Antisemitism

In 2019, Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAC). FCAC uses powerful, positive messaging and partnerships to motivate Jews and non-Jews to battle all hate. The message is universal.

Kraft created the Foundation at a time when antisemitic rhetoric was dramatically rising in America and throughout the world.

In 2022, the FCAC boldly responded to Kanye West’s antisemitic comments with an ad entitled “Stand up to Jewish Hate”, which aired during NFL games.

More recently, the foundation produced a stirring ad that will be broadcast during the NBA playoffs. The ad encourages passionate discussion but rallies against hatred of Jews, saying, “When you protest, bring your passion, your tenacity, your anger. But don’t bring hate to the protest… Scream until you’re red in the face, but don’t scream at the Jewish kid walking to class… threaten to change history, but don’t threaten your Jewish neighbor.” Powerful.

I have great admiration for Mr. Kraft. In addition to the millions of dollars he has contributed to the fight against antisemitism, he has founded and contributed to several institutions which support communal health. He consistently surprises worthy New England nonprofits with generous gifts of $100,000. And he supports interfaith relationships on university campuses to increase dialogue and understanding across cultures.

Kraft may not have specific credentials that make him an obvious choice to lead the fight against antisemitism. When asked why he was the right person to get involved, he simply said, “I don’t know that I’m the right person! I think it’s important to show people that you’re proud of your heritage. And some people don’t know I’m of Jewish heritage. Well, I’m not ashamed to tell them that, and I’m proud of it.”

In addition to funding ads aimed at stopping hate, Kraft recently made headlines for ceasing to fund institutions that fail to protect Jews. In April of 2024, Kraft announced that he would no longer support his alma mater, Columbia University, due to its treatment of Jewish students and staff amidst the pro-Palestinian riots. The violent demonstrations were sparked by the unspeakable Hamas terrorist attack against Israel on October 7th, 2023. Kraft has donated millions of dollars to Columbia in the years since his graduation; however, after seeing the blatant antisemitism on campus, he knew that something had to change. Kraft said, “I think back when I went to Columbia, the Vietnam war was raging and people spoke out and they paid the consequences, but they were willing to do it. They didn’t wear masks and they had accountability. And now we have to have accountability.”

Robert Kraft provides a shining example of how one person can make a difference. His steadfast commitment to doing what is right, regardless of popular opinion, is a call to be proud upstanders, fighting injustice of all forms, and using our talents to make the world a better place. I have been fortunate to meet Mr. Kraft on several occasions. He remains a role model of mine.