Abraham H. Foxman, the former national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) who spent nearly three decades as a powerful advocate for American Jews, has passed away at the age of 86. The ADL confirmed his death on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of its longtime leader, though no details regarding the time or place of his death were provided.
A Legacy of Leadership
Foxman served as the ADL's national director for 28 years before retiring in 2015. During that period, he advised presidents, diplomats, corporate executives, and celebrities. He was known for confronting prominent figures over antisemitic remarks or representations and for accepting apologies on behalf of the Jewish community when they were offered.
Jonathan Greenblatt, the current ADL director, praised Foxman's impact: "Abe's voice was heard – and listened to – by popes, presidents, and prime ministers, a voice he used wherever Jews were at risk. Abe Foxman spoke on the global stage with moral authority and clarity and was relentlessly dedicated to his pursuit of a world without hate."
Early Life and Survival
Born in 1940 to Polish Jews in what is now Belarus, Foxman survived the Holocaust after a nanny had him baptized as a Catholic to hide his Jewish identity. After the war, he reunited with his parents, and the family relocated to New York. This early experience shaped his lifelong commitment to fighting antisemitism.
After earning a law degree, Foxman joined the ADL as a staff lawyer, spending his entire 50-year career with the organization. He rose to become a leading national voice against hate and was appointed national director in 1987.
Concerns About the Internet
Upon retirement, Foxman expressed concerns about the internet's role in allowing bigots to spread their beliefs "not only anonymously but at the speed of light," as he told The Associated Press.
Evolution of the ADL Under Foxman
Founded in 1913 to combat antisemitism and all forms of bias, the ADL's focus shifted under different leaders. Foxman faced criticism for allocating significant resources to non-Jewish issues. During his tenure, the organization built a robust research division targeting white supremacists and extremists, advocated for immigrant and gay rights, provided diversity training for law enforcement, and developed educational programs on topics from the Holocaust to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and bullying.
Controversies and Philosophy
Foxman endured criticism for both overreacting to perceived slights against Jews and for being too quick to forgive those who repented their antisemitic remarks. He defended his approach, stating that accepting apologies was essential, especially from those who could become prominent allies. "If you don't let them change, then you become the bigot," he said.
