Growing up as a member of the Jewish community in the US, Robert Kraft is no stranger to anti-semitism. Due to first-hand experiences and a staggering growth in modern-day anti-semitism, Kraft outwardly supports the campaign against Jewish hate.
The 81-year-old New England Patriots owner recently sat down to discuss his $25 million investment in the “Stand Up to Jewish Hate” campaign. Based on their public service ads, the organization requests Americans to say “no” to antisemitism and explains how citizens across the country can do their part to combat hate.
The organization is commonly characterized by a blue square – a symbol Kraft believes can help dismantle the anti-semitism currently running through the United States.
“We’re asking all fellow Americans to use this blue emoji on their iPhones, their iPads, and wear this as a symbol that they’re partnering with us and standing up against anti-semitism,” the business owner said.
Continuing, Kraft explained that the organization needs supporters to be successful. “You don’t win unless everyone’s pitching in. Yeah, any team sport, any business, anything you want to win at, you need people from all places and all pitching and [putting] team first,” he stated.
Speaking with WBZ-TV’s Paula Ebben in a one-on-one interview, the 81-year-old noted this particular time period is seeing abnormally high waves of hate. “I love this country, and we’re at a danger point, I’m sorry to say,” he relayed. “I’ve never seen the hatred and bigotry that’s going on. This is the United States of America. And it’s something that really bothers me. So hopefully, we’re going to do something about it.”
Robert Kraft explains the importance of supporting the anti-hate group.
With this being said, Kraft believes it is especially important for non-Jewish people to express outward disdain for Jewish hate. Considering the Jewish community is only 2.4% of the population and makes up 55% of religious-based hate crimes, the majority population’s reaction can be particularly influential.
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“We are so small,” he said, according to CBS. “We did some research, and it showed that over 50% of Americans believe that we can handle this problem on our own. And we know we can’t…It’s going on constantly, and there’s no let-up, and it makes me sad, actually. This is the United States of America. I mean, it shouldn’t happen here.”
Continuing, he refused to be ashamed of his Jewish heritage. Kraft went on to express, “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.”
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