Billionaire Robert Kraft Donates $1 Million to Yeshiva University Amid Rising Antisemitism

Billionaire Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, has made a significant philanthropic gesture by donating $1 million to Yeshiva University, a private Orthodox Jewish institution. The donation, announced last week, will fund the establishment of the Blue Square Scholars program, aimed at supporting students transferring to Yeshiva for its esteemed educational environment. The initiative is particularly timely, as it seeks to bolster Jewish college students amid a noted increase in antisemitism on campuses across the United States. Kraft's motivation for the donation stems from recent anti-Israel protests at various universities, including Columbia University, where he is an alumnus. These protests, which erupted in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish students. Kraft expressed his dismay over the "virulent hate" proliferating on campuses and indicated that he would withhold support from Columbia until meaningful changes were made. In establishing the Blue Square Scholars program, Kraft aims to create a supportive environment for students, fostering leadership and advocacy against hate. Yeshiva University, located in New York City, serves over 7,400 students and is positioned to play a crucial role in this initiative. Kraft has been actively involved in combating antisemitism through his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, which he funded with an initial $20 million and has since increased to a total commitment of $100 million. Kraft's net worth is estimated at $8.17 billion, largely attributed to his ownership of the Patriots and the Kraft Group.