Last summer, I wrote an article about how important it is for athletes to use their wealth and prominence for the greater good of humanity. Today, I’m thrilled to report another story on that exact topic.
This week, Bob Kraft sent the Patriots private plane to escort young Parkland survivors and their families from Florida to the Washington DC outpost of the March For Our Lives rally. The luxury jet came equipped with food, drinks, memorabilia, and a heartfelt note of support from the man himself:
“In the wake of incredible tragedy, we have hurt for you, mourned with you and been inspired by you. It is an honor for us to now partner with you as you push for progress. Your community is stirring our country towards a better future. That is the true mark of a patriot.” – Robert H. Kraft
Bob Kraft is not an athlete, but as the owner of the New England Patriots and one of the richer and more prominent figures in America, he undoubtedly belongs in the same category. I’ve known Bob’s generosity firsthand; he is a friend of my father’s and we are members of the same synagogue in Boston, the one he attended in his youth and of which his father was President. In recent years, Bob has honored his mother Sarah by bestowing a prize in her name to a young congregant to exemplifies a love of Judaism every Passover. I won that prize in college and used the money to spend a semester abroad in Israel. It was of the most wonderful times in my life, and a period of important personal growth. I will be forever grateful to him for that.
Kraft is one of many notable people doing their part to contribute to the March For Our Lives. But he’s also a personal friend of Donald Trump’s, which makes his gesture all the more meaningful. As Professor Dumbledore once said, “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.”
Photo: WCVB
