Abe Foxman, former head of Anti-Defamation League, dies at 86

Abraham H. Foxman, who was a forceful advocate for American Jews as national director of the Anti-Defamation League for nearly three decades, has died, the ADL said Sunday. He was 86.

Abe Foxman, former head of Anti-Defamation League, dies at 86

TL;DR

  • Abraham H. Foxman, former national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has died at the age of 86.
  • He led the ADL for nearly three decades, retiring in 2015, and was a forceful advocate for American Jews.
  • Foxman engaged with global leaders, including popes, presidents, and prime ministers, to address antisemitism and protect Jews worldwide.
  • A Holocaust survivor, Foxman dedicated his 50-year career to fighting antisemitism and hate, and he also supported immigrant and gay rights.
  • Despite facing criticism for both overreacting to slights and forgiving too easily, Foxman believed in accepting apologies from those who could become allies.