Abraham Foxman, Longtime ADL Leader and Holocaust Survivor, Dies at 86

Abraham Foxman, who served as the national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for 28 years, died on Sunday at age 86. A Holocaust survivor, Foxman led the organization from 1987 to 2015 before becoming director emeritus. A funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday at a synagogue in New York City.

Career and Leadership

Foxman joined the ADL in 1965 as a staff lawyer and spent his entire 50-year career at the organization. He became national director in 1987.

During his tenure, the ADL expanded its research on White supremacists and extremists, advocated for immigrant and gay rights, conducted law enforcement diversity training, and developed school programs on the Holocaust and bullying.

Foxman counseled presidents, diplomats, CEOs, and celebrities, and spoke publicly against antisemitic remarks. He wrote four books on antisemitism, including Jews & Money: The Story of a Stereotype and Never Again? The Threat of the New Anti-Semitism.

Personal History

Born in 1940 in Baranovichi (now Belarus) to Polish Jewish parents, Foxman survived the Holocaust after being hidden and baptized as a Christian by his Polish Catholic nanny. He was reunited with his parents after World War II; 14 family members died in the Holocaust.

Foxman emigrated to the United States in 1950, graduated from Yeshiva of Flatbush, and earned a BA in political science from City College of New York.

Statements

ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt stated: "America and the Jewish people have lost a moral voice, a passionate advocate for the Jewish people and the state of Israel, and a remarkable leader." Greenblatt also noted Foxman's focus on education and anti-bias training.

ADL Board Chair Nicole Munchnik described Foxman as a "warm friend, adviser, spirited antagonist and hugger" who helped "build the modern liberal era of America" and was "a voice of the generation rebuilding in the shadow of the Shoah."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog called Foxman a "legendary leader of the Jewish people" and said his story "of rising from the ashes, is our story."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Foxman was a "towering voice against antisemitism."

Yad Vashem chairman Dani Dayan referred to Foxman as a friend and mentor.

Public Stances and Criticism

Foxman consistently defended Israeli actions, including during the war on Gaza, which he argued did not constitute genocide. He voiced gratitude for the US-Israel attack on Iran in February. He expressed concern about declining US support for Israel and criticized liberal politicians distancing from AIPAC.

Palestinian rights advocates have criticized the ADL for conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism.

Foxman faced criticism for focusing on non-Jewish issues, overreacting to perceived slights, or easily forgiving those who apologized. He said accepting apologies was essential to allow change, stating otherwise "you become the bigot."

Later Years

Upon retirement in 2015, Foxman told The Associated Press he worried about the internet allowing bigots to spread beliefs "not only anonymously but at the speed of light." He continued to write opinion pieces for The Jerusalem Post.

Foxman postponed a planned meeting on October 27, 2025, due to health reasons; no reschedule occurred before his death.