Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, expresses distress over antisemitism at Columbia University

On Monday night, New England Patriots team owner Robert Kraft expressed disbelief at the surge of hate and animosity directed towards Jewish people in the United States.

Kraft, who announced his decision to withdraw support from his alma mater Columbia University, remarked, "I never imagined witnessing such hatred and hostility in America. It deeply pains me to witness this." He reflected on the ongoing holiday, drawing parallels to historical struggles faced by Jewish communities and lamented the current situation unfolding in a nation renowned for offering abundant opportunities to immigrant families.

"We must preserve openness and reject the intimidation seeping into our educational institutions, fueling the alarming growth of hatred," Kraft asserted. He expressed profound sadness at the global rise in antisemitism, emphasizing the need for education to combat ignorance and apathy among the populace.

Highlighting the interconnectedness of societal divisions, Kraft emphasized the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups, including Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, and the LGBTQ+ community. He warned against the corrosive impact of hatred and intimidation on the cherished values of freedom and diversity in the country.

Reflecting on his time at Columbia University, Kraft lamented the transformation of an institution once characterized by open-mindedness and compassion. He criticized the shift towards ideological indoctrination, urging for a return to teaching critical thinking rather than dictating beliefs to young minds.