A summit to organize against anti-Israel boycotts and anti-Israel activity on campus hosted by U.S. billionaire Sheldon Adelson raised at least $20 million.
The meeting earlier this month in Las Vegas of pro-Israel Jewish philanthropists and organizations had a funding goal of $50 million, the Forward reported, citing a Jewish communal leader who did not attend the meeting but spoke to the organizers.
It is not known exactly how much was raised, since participants have declined to say what they or their fellow activists pledged. However, according to the newspaper, participation in the event was limited to donors willing to pledge at least $1 million over the next two years to the initiative, dubbed the Campus Maccabees. At least 20 donors took part in the meeting, the Forward reported, and many of the groups in attendance prepared presentations for the donors. Potential funders could then decide which groups to fund and at what level.
The Campus Maccabees concept involves donors who will fund the operation; activists taking the fight to the campus; and researchers who will supply information about the anti-Israel groups and recommend possible legal avenues to block their activities, according to the Forward, citing Adelson.
Joining Adelson as hosts were billionaire Hollywood entertainment tycoon Haim Saban and Israeli-born real estate developer Adam Milstein.
In the past year, student governments at 15 U.S. universities have passed anti-Israel divestment resolutions. — jta