Kraft accepted the award that honored his contribution to humanity and commitment to Jewish valuesPATRIOTS
Patriots Owner ROBERT KRAFT was "awarded the Genesis Prize" on Thursday at a ceremony in Jerusalem, according to Alan Rosenbaum of the JERUSALEM POST. Israeli Prime Minister BENJAMIN NETANYAHU and Genesis Prize Foundation Chair STAN POLOVETS "bestowed the award upon Kraft in front of an audience of 600 Israeli and international dignitaries." The award has been "dubbed 'the Jewish Nobel,'" as it honors "extraordinary individuals for outstanding professional achievement, contribution to humanity, and commitment to Jewish values" (JERUSALEM POST, 6/21). Kraft in his acceptance speech said that he would "establish a foundation to combat anti-Semitism." In N.Y., Ken Belson noted Kraft has raised more than $30M to "get it started." He has donated $20M, while "two other individuals," including Chelsea Owner ROMAN ABRAMOVICH, have donated $5M each. Netanyahu said, "Israel does not have a more loyal friend than Robert Kraft." Kraft has "kept a low profile" since his scandal in February. But he "apparently is more willing to step back into the limelight in Israel, which is like a second home." Kraft overall has "made at least 100 trips to the country" (NYTIMES.com, 6/20).
PLAYING IT SAFE: The AP's Aron Heller noted Kraft during his speech "stuck to safe talking points, elaborating on his love of football, strong connection to Israel and commitment to Judaism." Dozens of VIPs "showed up to the invitation-only event," including 15 active and former Patriots players who "accompanied Kraft to Israel," as well as leaders of major Jewish organizations and top business and political leaders (AP, 6/20).
