Under a wash of blue light, New York’s Waldorf Astoria became the stage for a record‑breaking anti‑hate fundraiser.
Key points
- The Blue Square Alliance’s inaugural gala raised more than $32 million, the highest amount ever collected in a single night for the organization.
- The event attracted a mix of entertainment, media, law‑enforcement, and Jewish communal leaders, reflecting broad cross‑sector support.
- Blue‑themed lighting and high‑profile speakers helped frame the fundraiser as both a cultural and political statement against hate.
More than 800 guests gathered at Manhattan’s Waldorf Astoria on Wednesday night for the inaugural benefit gala of Robert Kraft’s Blue Square Alliance Against Hate, according to eJewishPhilanthropy’s coverage of the event. The venue was lit in blue, the alliance’s signature color, as attendees enjoyed a sold‑out program that reportedly raised over $32 million for efforts to combat antisemitism and discrimination.
The evening opened with remarks from CNN commentator Van Jones, and the program honored Bank of America Chair and CEO Brian Moynihan. A video message from former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was also featured, underscoring the political weight of the gathering.
A night of blue light and big names
A roster of high‑profile figures sat among the crowd, including rock star Jon Bon Jovi, journalist Wolf Blitzer, former NBC anchor Bianna Golodryga, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, former UJA‑Federation CEO Eric Goldstein, ADL chief Jonathan Greenblatt, Yeshiva University President Ari Berman, Columbia University Hillel director Brian Cohen, and Chabad Rabbi Berel Gurevitch.
Organizers said the $32 million haul marks the largest single‑night contribution the Blue Square Alliance has ever secured, positioning the group to expand its anti‑hate programming nationwide. The event’s success was highlighted in a report by Jewish Insider, which also noted the gala’s role in galvanizing donors across the philanthropic and Jewish community.
Reader questions
How much money was raised at the Blue Square gala?
According to eJewishPhilanthropy, the gala generated over $32 million for the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate.
Who were some of the notable attendees?
Guests included Jon Bon Jovi, Wolf Blitzer, Bianna Golodryga, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, City Council Speaker Julie Menin, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, and several academic and community leaders.
Where was the gala held?
The event took place at New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel, which was illuminated in blue for the occasion.
Source: ejewishphilanthropy.com