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Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft pledged $2 million to address what he called the humanitarian crisis “in the region”, amid the controversy surrounding Macklemore’s removal from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour.
Kraft, who also owns the New England Patriots, announced his donation in an Instagram post Wednesday, saying, "I have dedicated much of my life to building bridges between all people. I believe deeply that all lives are worth protecting." Kraft did not identify the intended recipients or say specifically where the aid would go.
"Earlier today, before Macklemore challenged me to match his donation, Ed called me and asked me to commit $2 million to match his donation to aid in the region to fight this humanitarian crisis," Kraft wrote, adding, "Ed now plans to reach out to other venue owners and our goal is to continue to work together to build bridges."
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"In addition, I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships," Kraft wrote.
Kraft did not name the organizations that would receive the money or specify whether the donation would exclusively support Palestinians, people in Gaza or other communities affected by the regional crisis. Robert Kraft’s reference later in the statement to his support for Palestinians provided context for the announcement but did not expressly identify the beneficiaries of the new pledge.
Newsweek reached out to a spokesperson for the Patriots by email Wednesday for additional comment from Kraft.
Macklemore pointed to Kraft as the driving force behind his exit from the tour following pro-Palestinian remarks the rapper made onstage earlier this month at the New Jersey arena.
During the show, Macklemore said "Free Palestine" and showed images from Gaza while playing his 2024 protest song, "Hind's Hall," about pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a building at Columbia University.
Kraft said in a statement to ESPN on Monday that, "Based on Macklemore's recent actions, material shared from the stage during Ed Sheeran's shows in New Jersey, and a broader history of antisemitic rhetoric and imagery that we believe has been deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community, we determined that his participation in the September 25th and 26th concerts at Gillette Stadium would cross that line."
On Wednesday, Macklemore reiterated his support for Palestinians and said he would give $1 million to six organisations “working directly to support the Palestinian people”. Kraft later announced a separate $2 million commitment, which he described more broadly as aid “in the region”.
"With everything that has happened over the last 48 hours, I want to bring the conversation back to where it belongs: to the Palestinian people who are still being killed, living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom," the rapper said in a post on Instagram.
"I will be donating the entire $1 million of my net earnings from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour to six organizations working directly to support the Palestinian people. And I invited Robert Kraft to match my donation. Whatever we disagree about, perhaps we can agree on this: Palestinian lives are worth protecting. A Palestinian life is no less valuable than another life on this earth," he concluded.
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Is Robert Kraft Pro-Israel?
Yes. Kraft has long been one of the most prominent pro-Israel voices in American business and sports. Over several decades, he has publicly supported Israel through philanthropy, educational programs and advocacy initiatives.
Following Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Kraft became increasingly outspoken against what he viewed as growing hostility toward Israel on college campuses and social media.
Through the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, formerly the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism (FCAS), launched in 2019, Kraft has funded public-service campaigns and initiatives to address antisemitic rhetoric and hate speech.
Kraft has also frequently visited Israel and maintained close relationships with Israeli leaders and organizations. While he has advocated for Israel's right to defend itself, he has also expressed concern about civilian suffering during periods of conflict.
"I'd like the people who are speaking in support of the Palestinian people to know that for decades, I have supported efforts that create opportunity for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs, and forge relationships," Kraft wrote in an Instagram post Wednesday.
Is Robert Kraft Jewish?
Yes. Kraft was born into a Modern Orthodox Jewish family in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1941.
He has frequently spoken about how his Jewish faith shaped his values, philanthropy and business career. Throughout his life, Kraft has remained active in Jewish charitable causes and educational institutions both in the United States and abroad, according to Unpacked, a digital media brand created by OpenDor, a nonprofit that focuses on Israel, Judaism and the Jewish experience.
His family has supported a wide range of Jewish organizations, museums, schools and cultural programs. Kraft often cites his religious upbringing as a major influence on his commitment to community service and charitable giving.
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Does Robert Kraft Donate Money to Israel?
Al Jazeera reports that Kraft has supported projects in Israel and has been recognized for his long-standing philanthropy tied to Jewish and Israeli organizations. His advocacy for Israel helped him receive the 2019 Genesis Prize, sometimes referred to as the "Jewish Nobel Prize."
Kraft has also funded efforts to combat antisemitism through the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, which he launched in 2019 with an initial $20 million investment, according to the organization's website. The foundation focuses on public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives addressing antisemitism in the United States.
The Jerusalem Post has highlighted Kraft's support for sports and community initiatives in Israel, including projects associated with American football programs in Jerusalem.
While public records and news reports show that Kraft has donated significant sums to Jewish, Israeli and antisemitism causes, the exact amount he has contributed to Israel-related organizations over his lifetime is not publicly available.
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What Is the BDS Movement?
BDS stands for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions. The movement was founded in 2005 by Palestinian civil society groups and encourages individuals, businesses and institutions to boycott Israeli goods, divest from companies doing business with Israel and support sanctions against the country.
Supporters of BDS argue the campaign is a nonviolent way to pressure Israel over its policies toward Palestinians and to advance Palestinian rights.
Critics, including many Jewish organizations and pro-Israel advocates, argue the movement unfairly singles out Israel and, in some cases, contributes to antisemitism. Several U.S. states have enacted laws limiting government contracts with organizations that support BDS.
The movement remains one of the most polarizing issues in debates surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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Why Was Macklemore Dropped From Ed Sheeran's Tour?
Macklemore was removed as an opening act from Ed Sheeran's tour after a series of concerts in which he publicly advocated for Palestinians and led crowds in "Free Palestine" chants.
At recent shows in New Jersey, Macklemore told fans he wanted to use large concert venues to show solidarity with people in Gaza. The performances drew criticism from pro-Israel groups, some of which argued concertgoers had purchased tickets for live music rather than political messaging.
Petitions and campaigns calling for Macklemore's removal soon followed. One petition organized by the Israeli-American Council argued that Sheeran's tour should remain focused on music rather than political activism.
In an Instagram statement, Sheeran said the decision to remove Macklemore was not his. According to the singer, venue operators informed the tour that they would cancel remaining shows if Macklemore continued as a supporting act.
"Macklemore's contract for the tour was with the promoter, not me," Sheeran wrote. "I would never let down the fans who had made plans, nor would I abandon the touring crew and other support acts and musicians who rely on me for work and to make a living."
Sheeran also said he respects Macklemore as an artist and opposes the suffering caused by the war in Gaza, describing the conflict as a human tragedy.
The controversy has since expanded beyond Macklemore, with some artists withdrawing from the tour in protest and social media users criticizing both Sheeran and promoter Messina Touring Group.
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List of Musicians That Have Withdrawn From Tour
As backlash over Macklemore's removal has grown, several artists have announced they will no longer participate in select dates of the Ed Sheeran tour.
Those artists include:
- Lukas Graham: The Danish band withdrew from the remaining tour dates, saying in a statement on Instagram: “Money doesn’t give you the right to own the conversation. Nobody’s bank balance should decide who gets to speak or which suffering we’re allowed to acknowledge... I’m sorry we won’t be there. This is a difficult decision, but it’s one I need to stand by.”
- BEOGA: The Irish folk group, which has worked closely with Sheeran for years, left the tour while emphasizing support for Macklemore. They added: “This whole episode is once again serving to distract from the real issue, over 1000 Palestinians have been killed since the most recent so-called ceasefire.”
- Finneas: The Grammy-winning producer announced he would no longer appear on upcoming Sheeran tour dates, writing that "artists must not be silenced" for speaking on behalf of oppressed people. He added: “I stand with Palestine and its people.”
- Aaron Rowe: The Irish singer-songwriter also announced he would withdraw as a support act on Sheeran's tour. “I don’t take the decision lightly. Ed has been a friend to me and has changed my life,” he wrote. “But as Irish people we know all too well about genocide, forced famine and violence occupation. I need to be true to myself and my ancestors who resisted colonization, and fought for a freedom that I enjoy today in Ireland.”
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon, Sam Wilson, Gray R. Thomas.
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