Robert Kraft once opened up about his religious upbringing - Here’s what he had to say amid Super Bowl antisemitism ad

Robert Kraft, the owner of the New England Patriots (an American football team), has long been vocal about his Jewish heritage and his commitment to fighting antisemitism. Amid the airing of his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism's latest Super Bowl ad—featuring Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg—his stance against hate and divisiveness has gained renewed attention.

Beyond his advocacy, Robert Kraft has often spoken about the influence of his Jewish upbringing. During his keynote address at Yeshiva University’s 85th Commencement Ceremony in 2016, he reflected on how his father, Harry Kraft, played a crucial role in shaping his values. Kraft said:

“Leading a life filled with Jewish values teaches a person to be humble and appreciate what they have,”

He further shared how his guiding principles—family, faith, football, and philanthropy—were deeply rooted in his Jewish identity. With emotion, he recalled:

“My father Harry, of blessed memory, was the greatest man I have ever known. I believe he is smiling today, watching his son deliver this address at Yeshiva, [which] would be far more rewarding to him… than all our Super Bowl success combined.”

However, according to Robert Kraft, he recalled that one of the most 'enduring lessons' of his childhood was watching his father run a business while also helping those in need. He added:

“a life of Jewish values should create a mensch, somebody committed to the highest ethical standards. To him, this commitment was priceless and infinitely more important than material wealth.”

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More about Robert Kraft's intent to air the latest Super Bowl ad

Robert Kraft has revealed that his foundation will run 'Stand Up to Jewish Hate' ads during this Sunday's Super Bowl. The commercials will feature narration by Dr. Clarence Jones, renowned for his role as the speechwriter behind Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech.

The latest ad, which delivers a powerful message about the absurdity of hatred, features Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg exchanging hurtful words before a message appears on-screen:

“The reasons for hate are as stupid as they sound.”

Snoop Dogg then expresses frustration that such an ad is even necessary in today's world.

Speaking with People Magazine, Kraft explained that he specifically recruited Brady and Snoop for the ad to reach audiences from diverse backgrounds. He emphasized his concerns about increasing division in the country and the urgent need to address it.

In the interview with People Magazine, Kraft also reiterated:

"See, what bothers me about what's going on in America today, is that people aren't born with hate. I think they're born with empathy, and I believe they're born with love. But they learn hate and they learn it because people are different than they are. And I don't think how someone worships God, or what the color of their skin is, or the color of their hair, or what their appearance is, that people should be judged on that."

Robert Kraft, who founded the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism in 2019, has consistently used his platform to raise awareness about rising antisemitism. The foundation was launched in response to events like the 2017 Charlottesville rally and the 2018 Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. Since then, it has produced multiple awareness campaigns, including the 2022 'Stand Up to Jewish Hate' ad, which aired during the NFL games following antisemitic remarks from public figures like Kanye West and Kyrie Irving.