Foundation to Combat Antisemitism

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The Foundation To Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) was founded by Robert Kraft in 2019 [1] with a mission "to stand up to Jewish hate and all hate by inspiring Americans to become active allies in the fight." [2] FCAS is registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and states that they are non partisan and do not support any political party or candidate, as of 2025. [3]

Contents

Creation

In June 2019, Kraft received Israel's Genesis Prize, for "philanthropy and consistent commitment to combating antisemitism", as reported by the Associated Press. [4] While at the event in Jerusalem, Kraft pledged $20 million to establish a foundation that will fight antisemitism and combat the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel. [4] [5]

On October 30, 2022, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS) sponsored an ad encouraging people to denounce hate against Jewish people. The ad aired during NFL games and was titled "Stand Up to Jewish Hate". This action came in response to antisemitic comments made by Kanye West and later Kyrie Irving. [6] Kraft invested $25 million in the "Stand Up to Jewish Hate" campaign which launched through the foundation in March 2023 to raise awareness concerning antisemitism found online. The foundation's executive director indicated that ads would air during the NFL draft, NBA and NHL playoffs as well as by social media influencers. [7] [8]

Criticism

Critics, such as Dave Zirin, allege that Foundation is a cover for Kraft to foster disinformation, conflating antisemitism with anti-zionism, while supporting the IDF which is "currently—and in open view of the world—committing war crimes in Gaza". [1]

References

  1. 1 2 Zirin, Dave (January 31, 2024). "In the Fight Against Antisemitism, Robert Kraft Is Part of the Problem". The Nation .
  2. https://www.fcas.org/about/
  3. "FCAS - About the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism". FCAS.
  4. 1 2 "Patriots owner Kraft pledges $20 million to battle anti-Semitism, BDS". The Times Of Israel. June 21, 2019. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024.
  5. "Robert Kraft to Establish a Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism, BDS, Delegitimization of Israel". New England Patriots. June 20, 2019.
  6. Lukpat, Alyssa (October 31, 2022). "Robert Kraft Sponsors 'Stand Up to Jewish Hate' Ad After a Surge in Anti-Semitism". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  7. Dana Jacobson (27 March 2023). "Patriots owner Robert Kraft on antisemitism in America: "It shouldn't happen here"". CBS News. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  8. Deepa Bharath (27 March 2023). "Here's what to know about Robert Kraft's 'Stand Up to Jewish Hate' campaign". Boston.com . Retrieved 19 July 2023.