Billionaire donors and alumni of Columbia University, including Robert Kraft, Len Blavatnik, and Leon Cooperman, are revoking their financial support due to rising antisemitic tensions on campus. The decision comes after a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus escalated into chaos and led to the arrest of over 100 students. Jewish students were advised to evacuate the campus for their safety.
Columbia University President Minouche Shafik expressed her sadness over the events and pledged to work towards resolving the crisis. However, despite her assurances, the escalating anti-Jewish sentiments have prompted the withdrawal of support from major donors.
Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, released a statement explaining his reasons for ending his contributions to Columbia. He condemned the surge in hate on campus and expressed concern for the university’s inability to protect its Jewish students. He stated, “I am deeply saddened at the virulent hate that continues to grow on campus… I am no longer confident that Columbia can protect its students and staff.”
Kraft criticized the education at Columbia, accusing professors of teaching poor values to students. He said, “When I went to Columbia it was a place where people listened and had compassion. Know we have professors who instead of teaching people how to think, are teaching them what to think.”
The withdrawal of support by high-profile donors is seen as an attempt to ignite change at Columbia University. Kraft emphasized the need for people to stand up and not be silent against antisemitism and marginalization. He believes that this issue extends beyond the Jewish community and impacts the fabric of the nation.
