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Kraft donates $1 million to Yeshiva University for new ‘Blue Square Scholars’

Rabbi Ari Berman, president of the university, said the Jewish philanthropist “sets the standard for impactful leadership in this country.”

Robert Kraft
Robert Kraft, winner of the 2019 Genesis Prize, at the award ceremony in Jerusalem on June 20, 2019. Photo by Flash90.

Yeshiva University announced the $1 million donation this week by Robert Kraft, founder of the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, to establish a new program called the Blue Square Scholars.

Rabbi Ari Berman, president of the university, expressed his gratitude, saying the owner of the New England Patriots “sets the standard for impactful leadership in this country and this program will support top-tier students who will follow his example to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

Kraft said the program aspires to provide students “a welcoming place to further their education and grow into leaders who will serve as advocates for unity and respect and will push back on all hate.”

Calling YU a “safe haven for these students,” the billionaire Jewish philanthropist said he looks forward to watching them “thrive in an academic environment where they could live and study free of fear for being who they are.”

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