'Surprising to no one!': Joe Biden slammed as his biggest donors are funding anti-Israel campus protests

WASHINGTON, DC: In recent months, President Joe Biden has faced persistent pressure from pro-Palestinian protesters, who have dubbed him "Genocide Joe." However, a closer examination reveals a tangled web of financial backing from prominent philanthropists closely linked to the Democratic Party.

According to a thorough analysis by Politico, some of the most influential Democratic donors, including George Soros, David Rockefeller Jr, and Susan and Nick Pritzker, have been found to support organizations orchestrating these demonstrations.

Blurring lines: Philanthropy and activism

At the forefront of these protests are groups like Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow, both of which receive support from the Tides Foundation.

Established by Democratic megadonor George Soros, the Tides Foundation has previously been funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, though it no longer receives active grants from them.

Despite this, it has continued to finance various nonprofits committed to social change, raising questions about the alignment between liberal causes and Democratic politics.

The involvement of notable Democratic donors such as David Rockefeller Jr, who sits on the board of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, further blurs the lines between philanthropy and political activism.

The Rockefeller Brothers Fund provided $300,000 to the Tides Foundation in 2022, and Tides has given nearly $500,000 over the past five years to Jewish Voice for Peace.

Similarly, Susan and Nick Pritzker, known supporters of Democratic campaigns, contributed $6,600 to the Biden Victory Fund a few months ago and more than $300,000 during the 2020 campaign.

These donations underscore how wealthy individuals exert significant influence over social justice movements that occasionally diverge from mainstream Democratic positions. However, as protester tactics have escalated, criticism has emerged from within the left-leaning donor community.

Elisha Wiesel, chair of the Elie Wiesel Foundation, condemned the Rockefeller Fund's support for Jewish Voice for Peace, questioning their response to recent attacks on Israel.

“Why [is the Rockefeller Fund] giving significant grants to Jewish Voice for Peace, [which] blamed the horrific Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and the United States rather than Hamas?” Wiesel asked.

The organization has been at the forefront of protests against Biden, accusing him of complicity in Israeli oppression.

Yet, amidst these controversies, the funding mechanisms behind these protests remain intricate. Many nonprofits receive grants from larger organizations, often with no direct involvement in their day-to-day operations.

Sarah Edkins, communications director for the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, said they do not support political activity or campaigns directly. “Our grantees in all three portfolios support a broad range of policy ideas—some align with the Biden administration’s agenda and others conflict. This complexity is part and parcel of our nonpartisan work,” Edkins said in a statement.

Joe Biden's response

President Biden's struggle to maintain support from young voters, exacerbated by the intensifying protests, highlights the broader implications of these demonstrations.

As Israel faces mounting criticism for its actions in Gaza, the protests in the US are gaining momentum, particularly at institutions like Columbia University.

Biden, addressing the protests, condemned violent tactics, asserting that they do not constitute peaceful protest.

“Destroying property is not a peaceful protest, it’s against the law,” Biden said. “Vandalism, trespassing, breaking windows, shutting down campuses, forcing the cancellation of classes and graduation, none of this is a peaceful protest.”

Moreover, the involvement of nonprofits with diverse missions underscores the evolving landscape of social justice activism. Groups like Solidaire Action, funded by the Pritzkers, have diversified their support to include causes related to Palestine, reflecting the growing significance of the issue within progressive circles.

“A lot of our members are supporting actions that are trying to hold Biden accountable, which is not the same thing as opposing Biden. It’s saying we desperately don’t want the alternative,” Barni Qaasim, a spokesperson for Solidaire Action, told Politico.

Social media backlash

The revelations about funding sources have sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with some expressing little surprise at the connections between protesters and Biden donors.

"Is anyone necessarily shocked that these protesters are backed by Joe Biden’s biggest donors?" one posted on X.

"Surprising to no one!" another wrote.

"Are they going to donate to any Veteran causes?" someone else asked.

"Pro-Hamas protesters and Biden have the same goal," another declared.

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