Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, has expressed deep concern over the rise of anti-Israel sentiment and a pro-Palestinian encampment on the campus of Columbia University, his alma mater.
Kraft, who attended Columbia from 1959 to 1963, said he was “deeply saddened” by the spread of “virulent hate” on campus. He stated that he was no longer confident in the university’s ability to protect its students and staff and called on Columbia to take “corrective action.”
Kraft’s statement comes after Columbia University canceled classes on Monday due to a pro-Palestinian demonstration that resulted in the arrest of over 100 people. University President Minouche Shafik expressed deep sadness over the events and announced that all classes would be held virtually on Monday to de-escalate tensions.
Kraft expressed hope that Columbia and its leadership would stand up to hate by ending the protests and working to regain the respect and trust of those who have lost faith in the institution. He emphasized the importance of the Kraft Center, named after him, as a safe space for Jewish students and faculty to gather and practice their religion without hindrance.
Kraft’s statement reflects growing concerns about anti-Semitism on college campuses across the United States. Several universities have grappled with incidents of hate speech, harassment, and discrimination targeting Jewish students and faculty.
