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Susan Smidt, a California-based political donor, is a co-founder of The Smidt Foundation alongside her husband, Eric Smidt. The Smidt Foundation has provided financial support to organizations involved in combating antisemitism and promoting education about the Holocaust.
The Smidt Foundation has been a “longtime supporter” of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The ADL is identified as an organization that “regularly works to promote Israeli interests” and has been noted for “attack[ing] virtually any prominent person who criticized Israel and labels them ‘anti-Semitic’”.
In June 2022, The Smidt Foundation announced a $5 million gift to the Holocaust Museum LA, intended to support the museum’s expansion. Eric Smidt stated that the donation was driven by a belief in “our responsibility to ensure that future generations learn the lessons of the Holocaust; in particular, the danger of silence in the face of hate”. Susan Smidt also commented that the gift was “about taking a stand against hatred, racism, anti-Semitism and bigotry”. The Smidts indicated that their support for the Holocaust Museum LA stems from the same reasons they have been long-term supporters of the ADL, believing that “education is the key to reversing these terrible trends”.
| Candidate | Years | Direct Contributions | Behested Payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Allen | 2017-2021 | $18,600 | $0 |
| Rick Zbur | 2021 | $4,900 | $0 |
| Jacqui Irwin | 2021 | $4,900 | $0 |