The Open Society Foundations (OSF), the philanthropic network founded by billionaire George Soros, has announced a $30 million (£24 million) commitment over three years to support groups tackling antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred. The funding, unveiled on Wednesday, aims to strengthen interfaith partnerships and protect communities facing heightened threats amid the Israel-Hamas conflict and the current fragile ceasefire.
Last year saw the highest level of deadly violence against Jews worldwide in over three decades, according to a Tel Aviv University study, including a shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Anti-Muslim rhetoric has also intensified, with one US congressional Republican recently stating that Muslims “don’t belong in American society.” OSF President Binaifer Nowrojee said: “The deep injustices occurring in the Middle East are fueling indiscriminate prejudice, dehumanization, and violence directed against both Muslims and Jews. Entire communities cannot be targeted simply because of their religion.”
The initiative is OSF’s most prominent campaign since reports emerged last autumn that the US Department of Justice was considering charges against the foundation. President Donald Trump had specifically named George Soros in ordering the FBI to crack down on “left-wing terrorism,” allegations OSF has denied. Alex Soros, who took over leadership in late 2022, noted that “discrimination and hate” are personal for him as the son of a Holocaust survivor and husband to a Muslim American. He said in a video: “At a moment like this we need to stand together and act. This investment is about keeping people safe and pushing back against hate.”
The funding will expand education on discrimination, support cross-community leaders, and safeguard free speech. Grantees already selected include the Jewish Social Justice Roundtable, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), the Nexus Project, and Shoulder to Shoulder, a multifaith alliance addressing anti-Muslim discrimination. JCPA CEO Amy Spitalnick welcomed the joint approach, saying: “The fact that Jewish safety requires Muslim safety, that Muslim safety requires Jewish safety.”
The announcement did not specify how OSF will define antisemitism, a contentious issue on US college campuses and in state legislatures. The chosen grantees suggest a broader definition than that of the Anti-Defamation League, which considers vilification of Zionism as antisemitic.
