Patriots Owner Pulls Support for Columbia University Amid Jewish Hate

Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, will no longer support Columbia University after antisemitism has erupted at the Ivy League school. Kraft made the announcement Monday through his philanthropic…

Sandra RhodesApr 22, 20243 min read

Sponsored

Loading post…

Kraft’s foundation has led the charge against antisemitism even before the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

The university has been the site of protests by pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested Monday, CNN reported.

As tempers flared, the university moved to virtual classes Monday, the beginning of Passover, a Jewish holiday.

Columbia University President Dr. Nemat “Minouche” Shafik said in a statement she was “deeply saddened” by the turn of events, Fox News reported.

“I am deeply saddened by what is happening on our campus,” Shafik wrote. The statement continued:

“Our bonds as a community have been severely tested in ways that will take a great deal of time and effort to reaffirm. Students across an array of communities have conveyed fears for their safety and we have announced additional actions we are taking to address security concerns. The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas.”

“We need a reset,” she said. “To deescalate the rancor and give us all a chance to consider next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday. Faculty and staff who can work remotely should do so; essential personnel should report to work according to university policy. Our preference is that students who do not live on campus will not come to campus.”

There were also pro-Israel protestors outside the Columbia gates. Some were waving Israeli and American flags, per CNN.

“This is happening at every U.S. university. Jews are not safe anywhere on college campuses,” Shai Davidai, a Jewish Columbia Business School assistant professor, said.