For the first time in years, many Israelis have a real emotional stake in Super Bowl LX.
When the New England Patriots take the field against the Seattle Seahawks, a portion of the Israeli public will be cheering not just for a team, but for an owner whose bond with Israel runs deep: Robert Kraft.
Two weeks ago, I met Mr. Kraft and his son Dan in snow-covered Boston, just two days after the Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos to win the AFC Championship and advance to the Super Bowl. Fresh off his return from Denver, we talked about Israel, the rise of antisemitism in the United States, and International Holocaust Remembrance Day, with Robert due to speak on the subject later in the day at the State Capitol.
Combating antisemitism has become a central mission of Kraft’s philanthropy. In 2019, he founded what is now known as the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, an initiative dedicated to confronting antisemitism and all forms of bigotry. The foundation has invested millions of dollars in national awareness campaigns, including high-profile Super Bowl ads that reach tens of millions of viewers.
The blue square has emerged as a visible symbol of solidarity – a call to stand up, speak out, and refuse to normalize hate. I had the opportunity to grab a sneak preview of this year’s Super Bowl ad, which delivers that message with clarity and urgency.
Kraft’s commitment to Israel goes far beyond words. Beginning in 1999, Robert Kraft and his wife Myra z”l became foundational supporters of American football in Israel. Through the extraordinary generosity of the Kraft family, the sport has grown into the fastest-growing team sport in the country. Kraft Family Stadium at Gan Sacher and the Kraft Family Sports Campus in Jerusalem are now home to some 2,000 players competing in leagues including the Kraft Family IFL and IHFL.
Kraft is also supporting Team Israel’s Quest to reach the LA Olympics. Dan Kraft visits Israel often, looking after the Kraft Family interests in the Jewish State, including football, and a personal passion of his, lacrosse.
In 2005, after the Patriots’ Super Bowl victory, Kraft brought the Lombardi Trophy to Israel – the first time the trophy had ever left North America. Standing before the Israeli football community in Jerusalem, he spoke in Hebrew: “Before building the field in Jerusalem, the Patriots had never won a Super Bowl. Since building the field, we have won three championships.” He then looked skyward and added, “This could not have been by chance.”
Since then, the Patriots have won three more titles and now play for another.
The Krafts have repeatedly brought the world of American football to Israel – including a 2006 visit by Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady and, later, two large missions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame featuring legends such as Joe Montana and Jim Brown. A mission of Patriots, including Julian Edelman when he was a star player
In recognition of his enduring commitment to the Jewish State, Israel awarded Robert Kraft the Genesis Prize.
Because of that history – because of what the Kraft family has built, defended, and stood for – there are tens of thousands of Patriots fans across Israel today. The New England Patriots didn’t just win championships. Their owner invested in Israel, stood with the Jewish people, and helped build something lasting here.
That’s why the Patriots have earned the title: Israel’s team.
Go Pats!
The writer is the Founder and President of American Football in Israel.