Stand Firm Against Hate: Kraft Foundation's Message to Protesters

NBA playoff viewers on Tuesday night will see a new ad from Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. The ad sends a clear message: “Don’t bring hate to the protest.”

The 30-second ad features images from protests starting on October 7th. It reminds viewers to express their opinions but to do so without targeting individuals based on their religion. “Scream your opinions, but never at a Jewish student on their way to class,” the ad states. It emphasizes the importance of drawing a line between expressing opinions and spreading hate, urging people to stand against antisemitism without resorting to symbols of hate like the swastika.

Antisemitism is on the rise in America, especially on college campuses. Some students protesting the Israel-Hamas war have harassed and even physically assaulted Jewish students and faculty.

Kraft, the billionaire owner of the New England Patriots and a graduate of Columbia University, has hinted that he may stop donating to the university until they take action against this behavior.

#StandUpToJewishHate: Say No to Hate at Protests

The ad is from a new campaign launched by his foundation to fight against "Jewish hate and all forms of hate," as he mentioned in a statement last week.

"Political issues should be openly discussed and debated, and peaceful protests play a role in that. However, it is important to avoid hate speech and intimidation," stated Tara Levine, president of Kraft’s foundation in a message to CNN. "Our advertisement demonstrates how protests can lead to meaningful conversations, but also emphasizes the importance of not crossing the line into spreading hate."

In a similar vein, Kraft also bought a Super Bowl ad this year to address the issue of antisemitism. However, unlike the previous ad, this one did not specifically focus on protests happening on college campuses.

University administrators have faced criticism for their handling of encampments on campuses. The most recent incident occurred at the University of Chicago, where President Paul Alivastos allowed police to remove an encampment on Tuesday. This has sparked backlash amid fears of free speech suppression.

Administrators argue that the protests have caused disruptions on campus, jeopardized student safety, and violated school regulations.

Biden to adress antisemitism

Ahead of the ad airing Tuesday night, President Joe Biden is set to deliver an address in Washington for the Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Days of Remembrance ceremony.

He will speak about the long history of antisemitism and give a "call to action" on combating it, according to a senior administration official familiar with the remarks.

The president will not focus much on campus protests in his speech. Last week, Biden commented on the turmoil at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall, where students and outside agitators barricaded themselves inside.

"Last week, the president stated that actions such as vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancelation of classes and graduation are not considered peaceful protests."

This report includes contributions from CNN's MJ Lee.

Editor's P/S:

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