Death of Abe Foxman marks end of era for ADL and US-Israel advocacy
Tributes from Israeli leadership and the ADL highlight a career defined by staunch support for Israel and a polarising stance on the Gaza war.
The Anti-Defamation League confirmed on Sunday that Abraham "Abe" Foxman, a prominent Jewish American leader and Holocaust survivor, has died at the age of 86. Foxman served as the national director of the advocacy group for 28 years, from 1987 to 2015, during which time he became a defining voice in shaping the United States conversation regarding anti-Semitism and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Following the announcement, ADL Board Chair Nicole Munchnik described Foxman as a "warm friend, adviser, spirited antagonist and hugger" who helped build the modern liberal era of America. She noted his role as a longtime adviser to US presidents and world leaders, while the organisation characterised him as an outspoken and tireless advocate for the Jewish people and Israel.
Tributes from Israeli officials have poured in, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar describing Foxman as a "towering voice against antisemitism" who devoted his life to strengthening the bond between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide. President Isaac Herzog similarly hailed him as a "legendary leader of the Jewish people," a passionate Zionist and a wise friend.
Foxman's tenure at the ADL coincided with a period where the organisation intensified its campaign against critics of Israel. Under his successor, Jonathan Greenblatt, the group has faced accusations from Palestinian rights advocates of demonising pro-Palestine activists and conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. Foxman himself remained a staunch supporter of Israel, publicly disputing claims that the war in Gaza constituted genocide in July 2025, stating it was tragic but not illegal.
In recent months, Foxman's public commentary continued to align with the US and Israeli governments. In February 2026, following the outbreak of war between the two nations, he expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for their actions against Iran. He also recently warned about the rise of anti-Semitism on both the left and right in the US, specifically criticising liberal politicians who distance themselves from AIPAC.
The legacy of Foxman's leadership extends to his personal stance on media coverage, notably his decision in 2021 to cancel his New York Times subscription after the publication featured photos of Palestinian children killed in Gaza. He described the coverage as a "blood libel" at the time, underscoring the deep divisions that have characterised the discourse surrounding the region.
