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Patriots owner Robert Kraft unveils new TV spot to combat antisemitism

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft walks on the field before an NFL game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in New York.
AP Photo/Noah Murray
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft walks on the field before an NFL game between the New York Jets and the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in New York.
SOURCE: AP Photo/Noah Murray
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Patriots owner Robert Kraft unveils new TV spot to combat antisemitism
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his Massachusetts-based Foundation to Combat Antisemitism have unveiled a new advertisement to fight against antisemitism.The 30-second television spot ran early in the second quarter of Sunday's game between the Patriots and New York Jets.The ad calls attention to the concerning rise of antisemitism in the United States and calls upon all Americans to stand up to Jewish hate every day."Antisemitism is hate. Hate against Jews, for being Jewish," the ad reads. "Recently many of you have spoken up. We hear you today. We must hear you tomorrow."There are less than 8 million Jewish people in this country. Fewer than are watching this game. They need you to add your voice. #StandUpToJewishHate"Kraft created the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019 to address the rising hate against Jewish people in the country and the existential threat it poses. The foundation is focused on understanding and responding to antisemitic messages and hate speech posted online, as well as sharing the story of Jewish people and the threats they face with non-Jewish audiences."We must do more to make people aware that antisemitism is a growing threat against Jews on social media and in communities across the country. I have committed tremendous resources toward this effort and am vowing to do more," Kraft said in a statement. "I encourage others to join in these efforts. My hope is this commercial will continue to enhance the national conversation about the need to speak out against hatred of all types, and particularly to stand up to Jewish hate."Watch the advertisement below:While Jewish people make up only 2.4% of the U.S. population, they are victims of 55% of religious-based hate crimes, according to the foundation. But recent polling has found more than half of Americans do not believe antisemitism is a big problem and 46% believe Jewish people are "more than capable of handling" issues of antisemitism on their own.Recent events and conversations have heightened the urgency for the Kraft family and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to issue a rallying cry for all Americans to stand up to Jewish hate.An annual report released by the Anti-Defamation League in April found a 48% increase in antisemitic incidents in Massachusetts and a 42% increase for all of New England.Last month, masked members of a neo-Nazi group held antisemitic banners from highway overpasses in Saugus and Danvers.During the summer, flyers featuring hateful language — including racist and antisemitic literature — were found in multiple Massachusetts communities. Those flyers were produced by the Nationalist Social Club (NSC-131), the neo-Nazi group that claimed responsibility for displaying the antisemitic banners in September.Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown and Massachusetts-based corporation TJX Companies were among the celebrities and companies to recently cut ties with rapper and fashion designer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, over the artist's antisemitic comments.In the spring, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism will launch a new, multimillion-dollar, multifaceted campaign to further scale its message. The campaign will be focused predominantly on non-Jewish audiences across the country.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his Massachusetts-based Foundation to Combat Antisemitism have unveiled a new advertisement to fight against antisemitism.

The 30-second television spot ran early in the second quarter of Sunday's game between the Patriots and New York Jets.

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The ad calls attention to the concerning rise of antisemitism in the United States and calls upon all Americans to stand up to Jewish hate every day.

"Antisemitism is hate. Hate against Jews, for being Jewish," the ad reads. "Recently many of you have spoken up. We hear you today. We must hear you tomorrow.

"There are less than 8 million Jewish people in this country. Fewer than are watching this game. They need you to add your voice. #StandUpToJewishHate"

Kraft created the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019 to address the rising hate against Jewish people in the country and the existential threat it poses. The foundation is focused on understanding and responding to antisemitic messages and hate speech posted online, as well as sharing the story of Jewish people and the threats they face with non-Jewish audiences.

"We must do more to make people aware that antisemitism is a growing threat against Jews on social media and in communities across the country. I have committed tremendous resources toward this effort and am vowing to do more," Kraft said in a statement. "I encourage others to join in these efforts. My hope is this commercial will continue to enhance the national conversation about the need to speak out against hatred of all types, and particularly to stand up to Jewish hate."

Watch the advertisement below:

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While Jewish people make up only 2.4% of the U.S. population, they are victims of 55% of religious-based hate crimes, according to the foundation. But recent polling has found more than half of Americans do not believe antisemitism is a big problem and 46% believe Jewish people are "more than capable of handling" issues of antisemitism on their own.

Recent events and conversations have heightened the urgency for the Kraft family and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to issue a rallying cry for all Americans to stand up to Jewish hate.

An annual report released by the Anti-Defamation League in April found a 48% increase in antisemitic incidents in Massachusetts and a 42% increase for all of New England.

Last month, masked members of a neo-Nazi group held antisemitic banners from highway overpasses in Saugus and Danvers.

During the summer, flyers featuring hateful language — including racist and antisemitic literature — were found in multiple Massachusetts communities. Those flyers were produced by the Nationalist Social Club (NSC-131), the neo-Nazi group that claimed responsibility for displaying the antisemitic banners in September.

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown and Massachusetts-based corporation TJX Companies were among the celebrities and companies to recently cut ties with rapper and fashion designer Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, over the artist's antisemitic comments.

In the spring, the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism will launch a new, multimillion-dollar, multifaceted campaign to further scale its message. The campaign will be focused predominantly on non-Jewish audiences across the country.