NFL Owner, Robert Kraft, Donates $1M to Anti-Hate Groups

January 11, 2019

Robert Kraft, the owner teams in both the NFL and MLS, has been announced as the winner of the prestigious Genesis Prize for 2019, and has pledged his $1 million award for initiatives that combat anti semitism.

Kraft, a US businessman and philanthropist, will be awarded the prize, known as the “Jewish Nobel”, in a ceremony in Jerusalem in June. The prize honours individuals for outstanding professional achievement, contribution to humanity, and commitment to Jewish values.

As part of his efforts to combat anti semitism, the MLS team owned by Kraft, the New England Revolution, will host Chelsea Football Club in a benefit match in Foxborough, Massachusetts, in May. All proceeds from the match, plus a £1 million personal donation from Kraft, will go to anti-hate projects.

Chelsea launched the “Say No to Antisemitism” campaign last year to raise awareness and educate about discrimination in football. This week, the club warned its supporters that it would take “the strongest possible action” against anti semitic or racist chanting.

Kraft is the seventh person to be awarded the Genesis prize. Previous winners include the former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, sculptor Anish Kapoor and actor Natalie Portman.

Kraft said he was honoured to receive the prize. “This award amplifies my ability to raise both awareness and additional funds to fight anti semitism and other forms of prejudices. It is important that we continue to support organisations that focus on combating prejudices by building bridges and uniting people of different backgrounds.”

Antisemitic incidents in the US increased by 37% between 2016 and 2017, according to FBI figures. In the UK, more than 100 antisemitic incidents were recorded each month of 2018 by the Community Security Trust. 

“It’s clear we need to do more to help combat antisemitism and all hate crimes in the wake of on-going discrimination around the world,” Kraft said.