‘A passionate advocate for the Jewish people’: ADL mourns its longtime director Abe Foxman

Anti-Defamation League director Jonathan Greenblatt mourns the death of his predecessor, Abraham Foxman, whom he recalls as an “iconic Jewish leader” who was “relentlessly dedicated to his pursuit of a world without hate.”

“America and the Jewish people have lost a moral voice, a passionate advocate for the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and a remarkable leader,” Greenblatt says in a statement published by the organization.

He credits Foxman with transforming the ADL during his long career, “while confronting antisemitism and hate (from both left and right), opposing the global rise in antisemitism, holding world leaders accountable and working to ensure that Israel was Jewish, secure, and democratic.”

“Abe’s voice was heard – and listened to – by popes, presidents, and prime ministers, a voice he used wherever Jews were at risk,” Greenblatt adds. “Abe Foxman spoke on the global stage with moral authority and clarity and was relentlessly dedicated to his pursuit of a world without hate.”

ADL board chair Nicole Munchnik credits Foxman with helping to “build the modern liberal era of America.”

“He was recognized across the globe as a great leader and passionate advocate for tolerance, a voice of the generation rebuilding in the shadow of the Shoah, and longtime adviser to American presidents and world leaders,” she says. “To those of us who knew him, Abe was a warm friend, adviser, spirited antagonist, and hugger – all over lunch.”