In 2019, Robert Kraft started the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (now called the Blue Square Alliance/BSA). Beginning in June 2023, BSA did extensive research through surveys twice a year in what is the largest tracking study of American attitudes towards antisemitism. The results and trends drive their actionable endeavors. They are particularly focused on allyship and developing greater understanding through connection.
Effective allyship is often mutually beneficial. In 2024, Kraft donated $1 million to the United Negro College Fund for the Unity Dinner project co-partnered by Hillel International. The dinners are opportunities for Black and Jewish students to “rebuild historical bonds between Black and Jewish communities by fostering collaboration among a new generation of leaders.” To date, hundreds of students have participated in these events where honest and bridge-building conversations arise. Everything from competitive victimhood to histories to the abiding and radical friendship of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rabbia Joshua Heschel is discussed.
Along a similar vein, Van Jones founded Exodus Over Dinner for Black, Jewish, and Black-Jewish leaders who break bread in intimate settings to have difficult conversations. They state that “the antidote to polarization is not separation, but the courage to sit together, listen deeply and build the coalitions democracy needs.” This is a profound reminder as we celebrate Black History Month.
If you are rolling your eyes because you see Kraft as a friend of Trump, my response is to say they are not so close first of all. Secondly, Kraft and Gov. Maura Healey have been friends since she was the attorney general and Kraft largely funded the commonwealth’s youth relationship violence prevention program. He and one of his sons applauded Healey and the state Legislature for their work combatting antisemitism at a recent event commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan. 27). The Senate and the House adopted resolutions that reaffirm the commitment to combatting antisemitism and preserving the memory of Holocaust survivors.
Alliances, socio-political affiliations and our own stances and causes have never been more complex than they are today. Many people feel unmoored as they do not fit into neat little categories or identities. The gift here is the freedom to connect with people who share a desire to understand and help each other while not expecting sameness. If Robert Kraft and Governor Healey were more concerned about their personal identities than serving a cause, the cause would suffer. True leaders seek and see humanity wherever it is rather than resorting to checked boxes and narrow biases.
Through much information gathering and work with ally organizations over the last few years, BSA has concluded that attacking the haters is not effective in media. During Super Bowl week, they will have a large 3-D billboard in Times Square with changing messages of standing up to Jewish hate and embracing hope and kindness. At the Super Bowl, they will host a Unity Summit, and they will run a television ad prior to and during the game as they have done each year. This year’s ad will focus on a teen at school and his ally friend. They decided on this focus when they learned that two out of three Jewish children and teens have reported being subjected to antisemitism in recent years.
Given Kraft’s connection to sports, it is no surprise that professional sports organizations are BSA supporters. They include the NFL, Major League Baseball, the WNBA, the NBA, USTA, and the PGA to name a few. A primary challenge BSA sees is that people are largely unaware or do not see a problem with antisemitism. On their web site (www.bluesquarealliance.org), BSA shows that awareness leads to empathy and that leads to intent and action. I have ordered and handed out many of their blue square pins over the last two years. The idea is that people who are afraid to speak up or do not know what to do can begin standing up to hate by wearing blue square pins as visible allies. When I wear mine and someone asks me about it, I simply say it is the symbol to stand against the hatred of Jews. It may or may not lead to further conversation; either way, it gives the person an opportunity to consider the importance of combatting antisemitism.
The Super Bowl is upon us. Wear your Patriots gear and the blue square pin. You will be in good company. Me, I’m all about appreciating defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III’s arm as he thwarted the Bronco’s field goal attempt. Thank you for making your own history, Mr. Taylor.
J.M. Sorrell is a monthly columnist. She sends love to Ran Gvili’s family. His body was the last hostage returned to Israel. He bravely saved at least 100 people on October 7, 2023. May his memory be for a blessing.