Robert Kraft Launches Groundbreaking “#TimeOut Against Hate” Campaign with Major Sports Leagues

Robert Kraft Launches Groundbreaking “#TimeOut Against Hate” Campaign with Major Sports Leagues

Edited by: Fern Sidman

Patriots owner Robert Kraft’s Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism is launching a powerful new campaign aimed at uniting the sports world in the fight against hate. The initiative, titled “#TimeOut Against Hate,” brings together the commissioners of all major North American sports leagues for the first time to promote tolerance and combat anti-Semitism. According to a recently published report on Page Six of The New York Post, Kraft met earlier this year in a series of closed-door meetings with the heads of sports organizations such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA, and NASCAR to strategize the campaign.

The campaign’s goal, as described by the foundation, is to harness the influence of sports leagues, their leadership, and star athletes to champion the fight against hate. A statement from the Foundation to Combat Anti-Semitism (FCAS) emphasized that this marks the first time such a broad and unified coalition of sports icons and commissioners has come together for a shared cause. “The new ad spot and campaign is the first of its kind in uniting major sports leagues, its commissioners, and star athletes to champion the fight against all hate,” the foundation said, as reported by Page Six.

Sports leaders who took part in this unprecedented collaboration include NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, among others. NASCAR President Steve Phelps and NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman were also involved. This diverse representation from across the sports industry underscores the broad appeal and influence of the campaign. According to Page Six, the ad campaign aims to engage the sports community more deeply in social change.

The campaign’s ad spot, set to debut during Thursday Night Football when the San Francisco 49ers face the Seattle Seahawks, will feature a roster of sports legends, including Billie Jean King, Shaquille O’Neal, Doc Rivers, Jim Harbaugh, and Joe Torre, among many others. These iconic figures are lending their voices and platform to spread the message of unity and standing against hate. Page Six highlights that Kraft’s campaign is designed to leverage the emotional and social power of sports to reach millions of fans.

Kraft, who has long been an outspoken advocate for combating anti-Semitism, emphasized the urgency of the initiative in a statement. “The ‘#TimeOut Against Hate’ campaign represents a powerful convergence of sports icons and leaders who are committed to fighting hate in all its forms,” Kraft said, as quoted by Page Six of The New York Post. He added, “In sports, we call a ‘timeout’ when things are heading in the wrong direction, and right now, in our country, hate is winning, and we need to change the momentum.”

Kraft’s vision for the campaign goes beyond just the ad spot; he views it as a call to action for society. “Bringing together the commissioners of North America’s major sports leagues for this campaign is a historic and crucial step in our fight against all hate,” Kraft said, emphasizing the role sports play in shaping communities and creating a more inclusive society. “By uniting under a common cause, we amplify our message and demonstrate that the power of sports extends beyond stadiums, arenas, and fields, and into our communities,” Kraft added in his statement to Page Six of The New York Post. His message speaks to the importance of using the platform sports provide to inspire empathy, respect, and understanding.

The foundation’s efforts to combat hate have garnered significant support from celebrities, including sports stars like Tom Brady, as well as musicians Jon Bon Jovi and Dave Matthews. The report on Page Six of The New York Post noted that Kraft’s foundation has previously produced powerful ads that aired during high-profile events such as the Super Bowl and the Oscars. Earlier this week, the foundation further amplified its message by lighting the Empire State Building in blue, a symbolic gesture of unity and support for the campaign.

Kraft’s efforts are not limited to this campaign alone. His foundation’s viral “blue square” campaign, launched previously to raise awareness about anti-Semitism, has received widespread support and continues to resonate with millions, as per the information contained in the report on Page Six of The New York Post. By enlisting influential figures from the sports and entertainment world, Kraft’s foundation has built a powerful coalition aimed at tackling hate on a national scale.

As the report on Page Six of The New York Post pointed out, the #TimeOut Against Hate campaign represents a historic convergence of sports, activism, and philanthropy, with a clear message: hate cannot be allowed to win. Through this initiative, Kraft and his partners are sending a resounding call for unity, reminding everyone that the battle against hate requires collective action, empathy, and unwavering commitment.