Open Society Foundations Announce $30 Million Investment to Counter Antisemitism and Anti-Muslim Hate

NEW YORK-The Open Society Foundations today announced a new $30 million, three-year initiative to support organizations working to address an alarming surge of antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate in the United States and around the world. The funding will support efforts to keep communities safe by strengthening interfaith solidarity, expanding education, and combating discrimination and violence.

Recent data from governments and civil society organizations show an increase in both antisemitic and anti-Muslim hate incidents fueled by the ongoing war in the Middle East, fear, and polarization. Across the United States and Europe, synagogues and Jewish people have been attacked, Jewish-owned properties targeted in arson, and mosques vandalized. Inflammatory rhetoric and targeting of Muslim communities in the United States has also intensified, including from some members of Congress and public officials.

"We are witnessing a disturbing rise in hate crimes targeting Jews and Muslims, which demands clarity, solidarity, and action," said Alex Soros, chair of the Open Society Foundations. "My family's Jewish identity has long made us targets of antisemitism, and it has strengthened our resolve to stand against all forms of hate. These investments will help keep communities safe and strengthen efforts to build trust and solidarity across faiths."

The grants will support efforts to:

• Protect communities facing heightened threats and violence
• Strengthen interfaith and cross-community partnerships to reduce polarization and build trust
• Expand research and education on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hate, and related forms of discrimination
• Support Jewish, Muslim, and allied voices working to advance justice, safety, and equal rights
• Address harassment and discriminatory rhetoric in public and political spaces affecting Jews, Muslims, Palestinians, Arabs, and other impacted communities
• Safeguard free speech and fundamental freedoms, including protecting space for lawful expression and open democratic debate

"Hate corrodes our shared humanity, and left unchecked, becomes a danger to us all," said Open Society Foundations President Binaifer Nowrojee. "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. Bigotry and intolerance in any form must be called out and confronted."

The $30 million initiative builds on Open Society's long-standing commitment to advancing human rights, supporting vibrant civic spaces, and advocating for all people to live in safety and dignity. George Soros became a philanthropist shaped by his experience as a Hungarian Jew during the Holocaust. That experience inspired the enduring vision behind the Open Society Foundations: a world where everyone is free to live without fear, and where rights and freedoms belong equally to all-regardless of faith, identity, or background.

George Soros has been a frequent target of antisemitic attacks and conspiracy theories. Alex Soros is deeply engaged in Jewish philanthropy and supported the creation of the U.S. government's first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. He sits on the board of the Center for Jewish History and is a former board chair of Bend the Arc Jewish Action, and has spoken frequently about the persistent danger of antisemitism.

In the United States, these investments expand Open Society's work to counter antisemitism and discrimination. Since the September 11 attacks, Open Society has supported efforts to address anti-Muslim bigotry and prevent the dehumanization of Muslim Americans as part of its broader National Security and Human Rights campaign. In response to a surge in hate incidents following the 2016 election, Open Society launched a $10 million initiative, Communities Against Hate, which provided fast, flexible funding to community groups, supported a national effort to track hate incidents, and connected victims with legal and social services. More recently, Open Society has funded organizations combating antisemitism while also protecting lawful expression and distinguishing antisemitism from legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies that violate international human rights and humanitarian law.