Abraham H. Foxman, the Holocaust survivor who led the Anti-Defamation League for nearly three decades and became one of the world’s most prominent voices against antisemitism and hate, has died at 86, the organization announced Sunday
Foxman served as the ADL’s national director from 1987 until his retirement in 2015, capping a 50-year career with the organization. During his tenure, he emerged as a leading advocate for Jewish communities worldwide and a frequent public voice on issues of bigotry, extremism and support for Israel.
Born in 1940 in Poland, Foxman survived the Holocaust after his parents placed him in the care of a Polish Catholic nanny who baptized him and concealed his Jewish identity during World War II. He was reunited with his parents after the war, though 14 members of his extended family were killed in the Holocaust.
After emigrating to the United States, Foxman attended the Yeshiva of Flatbush before graduating from the City College of New York and New York University School of Law. He joined the ADL in 1965 as an assistant director in its legal affairs division and spent his entire professional career with the organization.
Under Foxman’s leadership, the ADL expanded its role as a civil rights and anti-bias organization while intensifying efforts to combat antisemitism in the United States and abroad. He regularly met with presidents, popes and world leaders, pressing governments and institutions to confront hate and protect Jewish communities.
ADL Board Chair Nicole Mutchnik described Foxman as “a great leader and passionate advocate for tolerance” who helped shape modern American liberalism and became a trusted adviser to world leaders.
“To those of us who knew him, Abe was a warm friend, advisor, spirited antagonist and hugger — all over lunch,” Mutchnik said in a statement.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the ADL’s current CEO and national director, called Foxman “a moral voice” whose life experience shaped his lifelong commitment to fighting hatred.
“He often said that the Holocaust did not begin with bricks and mortar and gas chambers, but rather, it began with words,” Greenblatt said. “From this foundational principle, he made education and antibias training a cornerstone of ADL’s work.”
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also paid tribute, calling Foxman “a legendary leader of the Jewish people” and “a fighter for justice and equality.”
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Abe Foxman, a longtime dear friend,” Herzog wrote in a statement posted in English.
Foxman is survived by his wife, Golda, his children Michelle and Ariel, his son-in-law Brandon Cardet-Hernandez, and four grandchildren.