Key Takeaways
- • Open Society Foundations committed $30 million over three years to combat antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate, with a focus on strengthening interfaith partnerships and protecting vulnerable communities.
- • The pledge responds to documented surge in hate violence: 2025 saw the highest level of deadly violence against Jews worldwide in over three decades according to Tel Aviv University research, including a December shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia; simultaneously, anti-Muslim rhetoric has intensified amid geopolitical tensions.
- • The funding initiative is framed as a direct response to the Israel-Hamas war and current fragile ceasefire, with OSF President Binaifer Nowrojee stating that "deep injustices occurring in the Middle East are fueling indiscriminate prejudice, dehumanization, and violence directed against both Muslims and Jews."
- • The announcement represents OSF's most visible public campaign since fall 2025, when reports emerged that the U.S. Department of Justice was considering possible charges against the foundation; President Trump previously named founder George Soros in directing the FBI to investigate alleged "left-wing terrorism."
Summary
Open Society Foundations, the philanthropic vehicle established by hedge fund billionaire George Soros, announced a $30 million commitment Wednesday to fund organizations combating antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate over the next three years. The pledge emphasizes strengthening interfaith partnerships and protecting communities experiencing heightened threats amid escalating sectarian tensions globally.
The timing of the announcement reflects documented increases in hate violence against both religious communities. According to an annual study released in April 2026 by Tel Aviv University, 2025 marked the highest level of deadly violence against Jews worldwide in more than three decades. This spike includes a December shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Concurrently, anti-Muslim rhetoric has intensified against the backdrop of geopolitical conflict, exemplified by statements from congressional Republicans characterizing Muslims as unfit for American society.
OSF President Binaifer Nowrojee framed the commitment as a response to concurrent Middle East crises. "The deep injustices occurring in the Middle East are fueling indiscriminate prejudice, dehumanization, and violence directed against both Muslims and Jews," Nowrojee stated. "Entire communities cannot be targeted simply because of their religion. Bigotry and intolerance in any form must be called out and confronted."
The announcement marks OSF's most visible campaign since fall 2025, when media reports indicated the U.S. Department of Justice was examining potential charges against the foundation. In a related development, President Trump specifically named Soros while directing the FBI to investigate what he characterized as "left-wing terrorism." Open Society Foundations has denied these allegations, emphasizing their democratic strengthening mission in public statements.
The timing of the announcement reflects documented increases in hate violence against both religious communities. According to an annual study released in April 2026 by Tel Aviv University, 2025 marked the highest level of deadly violence against Jews worldwide in more than three decades. This spike includes a December shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia. Concurrently, anti-Muslim rhetoric has intensified against the backdrop of geopolitical conflict, exemplified by statements from congressional Republicans characterizing Muslims as unfit for American society.
OSF President Binaifer Nowrojee framed the commitment as a response to concurrent Middle East crises. "The deep injustices occurring in the Middle East are fueling indiscriminate prejudice, dehumanization, and violence directed against both Muslims and Jews," Nowrojee stated. "Entire communities cannot be targeted simply because of their religion. Bigotry and intolerance in any form must be called out and confronted."
The announcement marks OSF's most visible campaign since fall 2025, when media reports indicated the U.S. Department of Justice was examining potential charges against the foundation. In a related development, President Trump specifically named Soros while directing the FBI to investigate what he characterized as "left-wing terrorism." Open Society Foundations has denied these allegations, emphasizing their democratic strengthening mission in public statements.
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