Patriots owner airs ad on NFL broadcasts to counter wave of antisemitism

In an effort to fight back against several recent instances of antisemitic messaging, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft co-sponsored an ad that ran during NFL game broadcasts on Sunday, urging fans to ‘Stand Up To Jewish Hate.’

Written in plain white text on a black background, the 30-second spot began: ‘Antisemitism is hate. Hate against Jews. For being Jewish. Recently many of you have spoken up. We hear you today. We must hear you tomorrow.’

Kraft, who is Jewish, has ofren used his platform to battle antisemitism. The ad was sponsored by his Robert K. Kraft Family Foundation and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism.

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The ad concluded: ‘There are less than 8 million Jewish people in this country. Fewer than are watching this game. They need you to add your voice.’ 

The spot aired in light of several recent events connected to the sports world.

An antisemitic message was projected onto the side of TIAA Bank Field at Saturday’s Florida-Georgia game.

The incident referenced Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West, who posted hate speech attacking Jews on social media earlier in the week. Footwear giant Adidas ended its sponsorship deal with Ye in response. 

In addition, Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai on Friday expressed his disappointment with star guard Kyrie Irving for sharing a link to a film Tasi said was “based on a book full of antisemitic disinformation.”

“The Brooklyn Nets strongly condemn and have no tolerance for the promotion of any form of hate speech,” the team said in a statement.