Robert Kraft Stops Donations To Columbia, Demands School End Antisemitic Protests

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft made the best financial decision of this offseason, and it has nothing to do with rebuilding his floundering football team.

Kraft is an alum of Columbia University in New York City, graduating from there in 1963. For many years, he’s made annual donations to his alma mater to keep it running smoothly.

Kraft (seen here in 2022) has indicated he will not support Columbia until it puts an end to the antisemitic protests. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports

Now Kraft, who is Jewish, realized that the school he’s donating to has turned into a breeding ground for anti-Israel protests. 

Since Wednesday, hundreds of protesters have pitched tents on the school’s campus, voicing their support of Hamas. Despite over 100 arrests since the start of the protest, the demonstrations have not subsided. Earlier this morning, university president Nemat "Minouche" Shafik announced that classes would be held online as tensions rise. 

As such, Kraft has indicated he won't send them another dollar until that changes.

The Patriots' owner released a statement on Monday (just hours before Passover begins later this evening) saying that until the university puts an end to the pro-Hamas demonstrations, he will no longer financially support them.

"I am deeply saddened at the virulent hate that continues to grow on campus and throughout our country," Kraft said. "I am no longer confident that Columbia can protect its students and staff and I am not comfortable supporting the university until corrective action is taken."

The Situation At Columbia Is Spiraling Out Of Control

In his statement, he mentioned that Columbia "is no longer an institution I recognize," and he’s not being dramatic with that word choice. Even CNN is calling the situation a "full-blown crisis."

On Sunday, a Jewish professor communicated with Jewish students that they should not come back to campus until things changed.

On top of the numerous protests that have caused the unsafe situation for Jewish students, Columbia banned Jewish professor Shai Davidai from entering campus, as the school prevented his ID card from working at an entrance. 

While he is expected to be allowed in tomorrow, there’s no reason he shouldn’t be let in today. Meanwhile, hundreds of pro-Hamas demonstrators roamed on campus grounds.

"The decibel of our disagreements has only increased in recent days. These tensions have been exploited and amplified by individuals who are not affiliated with Columbia who have come to campus to pursue their own agendas," Shafik said. "We need a reset."

Yeah, no kidding.

Kraft can now put that money he would’ve spent on Columbia into something far more positive, like finding his franchise a quarterback. That would be a far more productive use of his resources than funding a hotbed of anti-semitic radicals.