Kraft’s Foundation and Sports Leagues Join Forces to Combat Antisemitism
In a world grappling with rising hatred and intolerance, the Kraft Family Foundation and the nation’s leading sports leagues are stepping up to the challenge, joining forces to combat antisemitism and promote tolerance. This unprecedented collaboration marks a significant milestone in the fight against hate, harnessing the power of sports to amplify a message of unity and understanding.
A United Front Against Hate
Robert Kraft, the visionary behind the New England Patriots and the Kraft Family Foundation, has long been a champion of social justice and equality. In 2019, he established the foundation with a mission to foster tolerance and understanding among diverse communities. Recognizing the alarming rise in antisemitism, the foundation launched the Stand Up to Jewish Hate campaign in 2023, pledging a substantial $200 million toward this critical initiative. This generous donation was met with an equally generous $100 million contribution from the Norman and Ruth Rales Foundation, bringing the total funding to an impressive $300 million.
Uniting Sports Leagues for a Common Cause
In a historic move, the Kraft Family Foundation convened commissioners from the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Soccer (MLS) for a pivotal meeting in early 2024. This unprecedented gathering marked the first time in history that all the major sports leagues stood united against hatred and antisemitism. During the meeting, experts shared their insights on the growing problem of Jewish hate and discussed strategies for collective action.
The Blue Square: A Symbol of Unity
At the meeting, Robert Kraft introduced the symbol of the blue square as a representation of unity and solidarity against all forms of hate. This symbol, inspired by the Jewish tradition of placing a blue square on the doorpost of homes during Passover, serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to stand arm-in-arm against hatred. Kraft emphasized the importance of breaking the silence surrounding these issues, recognizing that silence can be a powerful enabler of hate. The blue square symbol has quickly become a beacon of hope, uniting individuals and communities in the fight against antisemitism.
Leveraging Sports’ Influence to Promote Change
The Kraft Family Foundation and the sports leagues recognize the immense influence that sports have on society. They saw this as an opportunity to harness the power of sports to raise awareness, educate the public, and inspire action against antisemitism. The commissioners discussed ways to utilize their platforms to amplify the message of unity and tolerance, reaching millions of fans and viewers across the country. From in-stadium initiatives to public service announcements, the sports leagues are committed to using their platforms to make a positive impact in the fight against hate.
Super Bowl Commercial to Raise Awareness
As part of their efforts to combat antisemitism, the Foundation for Combating Antisemitism (FCAS) announced that it would air a 30-second commercial during CBS’s telecast of Super Bowl LVIII on February 11, 2024. This commercial, featuring prominent athletes and celebrities, aimed to urge viewers to stand up to antisemitism and promote a more inclusive and tolerant society. The commercial was a powerful reminder of the need to confront hate and discrimination wherever it exists.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The Kraft Family Foundation’s Stand Up to Jewish Hate campaign, in collaboration with the sports leagues, represents a significant step forward in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hatred. By bringing together key stakeholders, raising awareness, and utilizing the power of sports, this initiative seeks to create a more inclusive and tolerant society where all individuals can live without fear or discrimination. The time for silence is over. It’s time to stand up, speak out, and make a difference. Together, we can create a world where hate has no place.