Kraft Pledges $2 Million to Aid Palestinians After Ed Sheeran Call
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed Ed Sheeran contacted him to request a $2 million donation to Palestinian aid efforts, a move Kraft stated was initiated before rapper Macklemore publicly called on him to match a $1 million pledge.
Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots and Gillette Stadium, announced a $2 million donation to aid in the region, stating the decision was prompted by a call from singer Ed Sheeran. Kraft clarified that Sheeran's request came before rapper Macklemore publicly challenged him to match a $1 million donation for Palestinian aid.
Macklemore had announced he would donate his net earnings from Sheeran's tour to several organizations supporting Palestinians, urging Kraft to match the sum. This followed Macklemore's removal from the remainder of Sheeran's tour after delivering a speech supporting Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank during his performances at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and 5. Macklemore had used his platform to chant "Free Palestine" and perform his song "Hind's Hall," with images of the devastation in Gaza displayed.
Kraft, an observant Orthodox Jew, stated his commitment to building bridges and protecting all lives. "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 said in a statement released by Gillette Stadium. He added, "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 opportunities for Palestinians and have brought young Palestinians and Israelis together to build businesses, create jobs and forge relationships."
Macklemore's Instagram post detailed his donation to six organizations: Anera, Gaza Soup Kitchen, HEAL Palestine, Medical Aid for Palestinians, Palestine Children's Relief Fund, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA USA). He emphasized his desire to bring the conversation back to the Palestinian people "who are still being killed, still living under military occupation, and still fighting for their freedom."
Macklemore's removal from the tour led to his opening acts dropping out in protest. The controversy also saw resurfaced images of Macklemore from 2014 wearing a costume criticized for resembling an anti-Semitic caricature, for which he had previously apologized. Macklemore had been scheduled to open for Sheeran at eight of the remaining ten shows on the U.S. leg of the tour.