Abraham H. Foxman, who served as the national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for nearly three decades, has died at age 86.
Key Takeaways
Abraham H. Foxman, former national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has died at 86. He led the ADL for nearly three decades and was a prominent advocate against antisemitism.
- Abraham H. Foxman passed away at age 86 after leading the ADL for 28 years
- Served as national director from 1987 to 2015, becoming a key voice in fighting antisemitism and hate
- Survived the Holocaust by concealing his Jewish identity through baptism before reuniting with his family post-war
- Advocated for immigrant rights, gay rights, and conducted diversity training programs during his tenure
Foxman led the ADL from 1987 until his retirement in 2015 and was a forceful advocate for American Jews. He counseled presidents and diplomats, CEOs and celebrities, and took on prominent figures over antisemitic remarks or representations. According to CBS News, Foxman accepted any ensuing apologies on behalf of the entire Jewish community.
The ADL confirmed his death in a statement but did not provide details about where and when he died. Jonathan Greenblatt, the current director of the ADL, praised Foxman's global influence, stating that 'Abe’s voice was heard — and listened to — by popes, presidents, and prime ministers.'
Foxman survived the Holocaust as a child in what is now Belarus after being baptized as a Catholic to conceal his Jewish identity. He later reunited with his parents and moved to New York. After earning a law degree, Foxman joined the ADL as a staff lawyer and spent his entire 50-year career with the organization.
Upon retiring in 2015, Foxman expressed concerns about the internet's role in spreading hate speech quickly and anonymously. He faced criticism for both overreacting to perceived slights against Jews and being too quick to forgive those who repented their anti-Jewish remarks. According to Al Jazeera, he believed it was essential to accept apologies, especially from those who could serve as prominent allies for Jews.
The ADL was founded in 1913 with a mandate to fight antisemitism and all bias. Under Foxman's leadership, the organization built a formidable research arm into white supremacists and other extremists, advocated for immigrant and gay rights, conducted diversity training for law enforcement, and developed programs for schools.
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