Abe Foxman, Longtime ADL Leader, Dies at 86

Prominent Jewish American leader Abraham “Abe” Foxman has died at the age of 86. The Anti-Defamation League, the advocacy group he led for nearly three decades, confirmed the news on Sunday. Officials described him as an outspoken advocate for the Jewish people and Israel.

A Holocaust survivor, Foxman joined the ADL in 1965 and served as its national director from 1987 to 2015. Under his leadership the group became one of the most influential advocacy organizations in the United States focused on combating hate. The ADL board chair said Foxman helped build the modern liberal era of America and acted as a longtime adviser to U.S. presidents and world leaders.

Israeli officials offered tributes following the announcement. One official said he was deeply saddened by the death, calling Foxman a towering voice against antisemitism who devoted his life to defending the Jewish people and strengthening ties between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide.

The president of Israel described him as a legendary leader of the Jewish people, a passionate Zionist, a humanist and an outspoken wise friend. The ADL board chair recalled personal interactions with Foxman. “To those of us who knew him, Abe was a warm friend, adviser, spirited antagonist and hugger – all over lunch,” the board chair said.

Foxman remained a vocal supporter of Israel in recent years. In July 2025 he wrote on X that events in Gaza were tragic but did not constitute genocide or illegal actions. He stated that nations must take care to avoid civilian harm and that Israel was doing so.

Weeks before his death, Foxman backed U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran. On February 28 he posted on social media thanking the U.S. president and Israeli prime minister for standing up to evil and jihadist extremism. He added that the world would hopefully be a better and safer place.

In March he warned of rising antisemitism from both the political right and left in the United States. He criticized liberal politicians who publicly distanced themselves from AIPAC, saying such actions could reinforce conspiracy theories about a Jewish lobby controlling America.

Foxman also expressed concern about diminishing U.S. support for Israel, describing it as part of a propaganda war. In 2021 Foxman announced he was canceling his New York Times subscription after the paper published a front-page feature with photos of Palestinian children killed in Gaza.

He called the coverage a blood libel of Israel and the Jewish people. Palestinian rights advocates have criticized the ADL for its approach to pro-Palestine activism and for equating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. The organization under its current leadership has continued campaigns against Israel’s critics.