Abraham Foxman, the Holocaust survivor and longtime national director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), has died at the age of 86. His passing marks the end of an era for American Jewish advocacy, as Foxman spent nearly three decades at the helm of the nation’s leading organization combating antisemitism, racism, and extremism.
Foxman, who served as ADL’s national director from 1987 until his retirement in 2015, was widely regarded as a moral voice for Jewish communities and a relentless opponent of hate in all its forms. His leadership spanned global crises, from the rise of far-right movements to the escalation of antisemitic incidents worldwide. In a statement, Jonathan Greenblatt, the current ADL CEO and national director, called Foxman “an iconic Jewish leader who embraced the ideal of an America free from antisemitism and hate.”
Foxman’s death was announced on May 10, 2026, following a lifetime dedicated to advocacy. His work extended beyond the ADL, including roles as vice-chair of the Museum of Jewish Heritage’s board of trustees from 2016 to 2021, where he led efforts to document and combat antisemitism. His legacy, however, is most closely tied to his 28-year tenure at the ADL, where he transformed the organization into a global force against hate.
Key Takeaways on Abe Foxman’s Legacy
- Holocaust Survivor Turned Advocate: Foxman, born in Baranovichi (now Belarus) in 1940, survived the Holocaust by being hidden with a Catholic nanny and later raised as a Christian under a false identity. His personal experience fueled his lifelong fight against antisemitism.
- ADL Leadership: As national director from 1987 to 2015, he oversaw the ADL’s expansion into a global organization monitoring hate groups, lobbying governments, and educating communities on tolerance.
- Global Influence: Foxman engaged with world leaders, including popes, presidents, and prime ministers, to address antisemitism and promote human rights. His moral authority was recognized internationally.
- Post-ADL Contributions: After retiring, he served as vice-chair of the Museum of Jewish Heritage, focusing on preserving Holocaust memory and combating modern antisemitism.
- Legacy of Resilience: Foxman’s belief that hate begins with words, not actions, shaped his approach to advocacy. He often emphasized that combating antisemitism required vigilance and collective action.
A Life Defined by Survival and Advocacy
Born Avraham Chanoch Hanach Fuksman on May 1, 1940, in Baranovichi—then part of the Soviet Union—Foxman’s early life was marked by the horrors of the Holocaust. His parents, Polish Jews, left him with a Catholic nanny to protect him from the Nazi occupation. Baptized as Henryk Stanisław Kurpi, he was raised in Vilnius as a Christian until being reunited with his parents in 1944. This harrowing experience deeply influenced his later work.
Foxman immigrated to the United States in 1950 with his family. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the City College of New York and a law degree from New York University, setting the stage for his career in civil rights and Jewish advocacy. His legal background became instrumental in the ADL’s efforts to challenge hate speech, discrimination, and extremism through legal and legislative means.
In 1987, Foxman was appointed national director of the ADL, succeeding Nathan Perlmutter. Under his leadership, the organization expanded its reach, establishing offices worldwide and launching initiatives to monitor hate groups, track antisemitic incidents, and promote interfaith dialogue. His tenure coincided with significant global shifts, including the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rise of far-right movements in Europe, and the increasing visibility of antisemitism in the digital age.
Transforming the ADL into a Global Force
Foxman’s approach to combating antisemitism was both strategic and principled. He argued that hate could not be ignored or dismissed as isolated incidents but required systemic responses. The ADL’s annual audit of antisemitic incidents became a benchmark for understanding the scope of the problem in the U.S. And abroad.
One of his most notable contributions was the ADL’s work to hold world leaders accountable. Foxman engaged in high-profile diplomacy, including meetings with Pope John Paul II, French President Jacques Chirac (who awarded him the Legion of Honor in 2006), and U.S. Presidents. His ability to bridge communities and institutions made him a unique figure in Jewish advocacy.
Foxman also emphasized the importance of education. The ADL’s programs, such as No Place for Hate, sought to foster inclusive environments in schools and workplaces. His belief that “words matter” led him to challenge hate speech in all its forms, from political rhetoric to social media.
Beyond the ADL: A Lifelong Commitment
After retiring from the ADL in 2015, Foxman remained active in Jewish and human rights causes. From 2016 to 2021, he served as vice-chair of the Museum of Jewish Heritage’s board of trustees, where he focused on preserving Holocaust memory and addressing modern antisemitism. His work with the museum underscored his belief that understanding the past was essential to combating hate in the present.
Foxman’s passing has been mourned by leaders across the Jewish community and beyond. William Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, described him as “a moral voice, a passionate advocate for the Jewish people, and a remarkable leader.” His death leaves a void in the fight against antisemitism, but his legacy endures in the institutions he built and the lives he touched.
What Happens Next?
The ADL has not yet announced plans for a memorial service or further tributes to Foxman, but We see expected that the organization will honor his memory through its ongoing work. The Museum of Jewish Heritage may also hold a commemorative event in the coming weeks. For those wishing to contribute to his legacy, the ADL and the museum accept donations to support their missions.
As the world reflects on Foxman’s life, his words remain a guiding principle: “The Holocaust did not begin with bricks and mortar and gas chambers, but rather, it began with words.” His fight against hate continues through the organizations he led and the generations he inspired.
We welcome your thoughts on Abe Foxman’s legacy. Share your memories, stories, or perspectives in the comments below. For more on the ADL’s work, visit their official website: Anti-Defamation League.