Sports Icons Unite in ‘Time Out Against Hate’ Campaign

Prominent figures from the sports world have joined forces to launch a new initiative aimed at combatting antisemitism. The campaign, titled “Time Out Against Hate,” was unveiled on Thursday under the leadership of Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, and his Foundation to Combat Antisemitism. This initiative sees the collaboration of major leagues including Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Basketball Association, the Women's National Basketball Association, the National Football League, the National Women's Soccer League, and NASCAR.

The campaign emerges in the wake of a report revealing over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States since the terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7. The Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, also founded by Kraft, highlights concerning statistics, including the finding that 10% of U.S. adult males openly express prejudice against Jewish people.

The high-profile advertisement for “Time Out Against Hate” features sports legends such as Billie Jean King, Shaquille O'Neal, Jim Harbaugh, Doc Rivers, Joe Torre, Ryan Blaney, and Candace Parker. It is scheduled to air during the Thursday Night Football broadcast featuring the San Francisco 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks, and will also be displayed on digital platforms and billboards nationwide.

“This initiative is a call to action for everyone to join us in creating a world where hate is met with a unified stand for empathy, understanding, and respect,” Kraft stated. He further emphasized the significant role sports can play beyond entertainment, as a tool for social change.

Kraft has been actively involved in addressing antisemitism, having founded his foundation in 2019 in response to the rise of hate against Jews in the U.S. Earlier this year, he engaged with major sports commissioners, including Roger Goodell of the NFL and Adam Silver of the NBA, to forge a united front against hate. “The campaign represents a historic step in our fight against all hate,” Kraft noted.

The initiative has garnered support from various celebrities, such as Tom Brady, Jon Bon Jovi, and Dave Matthews, and includes impactful advertisements that have aired during high-profile events like the Oscars and the Super Bowl. This week, the Empire State Building was lit in blue to symbolize the campaign’s commitment.