US Jewish leader, Israel advocate Abe Foxman dies at 86

"The Anti-Defamation League, the advocacy group he led for 28 years, confirmed his death on Sunday, calling him an outspoken, passionate, and tireless advocate for the Jewish people and Israel. A Holocaust survivor, Foxman helped shape the conversation around Israel and anti-Semitism in the US for decades. ADL Board Chair Nicole Munchnik said Foxman helped build the modern liberal era of America, describing him as a longtime adviser to US presidents and world leaders."

"Foxman joined the ADL in 1965 and served as the group's national director from 1987 to 2015. Under his leadership, the group which presents itself as an anti-hate watchdog became one of the most influential advocacy organisations in the country. Palestinian rights advocates have long condemned the ADL, accusing it of demonising pro-Palestine activists and conflating criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism."

"Foxman also remained a staunch supporter of Israel and defended its conduct during the genocidal war on Gaza. What is happening in Gaza is tragic. But it is not Genocide. And it is not illegal, he wrote on X in July 2025 as Israel imposed a hunger crisis on the territory. War is hell and inhumane, destructive and ugly. And nations must take all possible care to avoid civilian harm. And Israel has and is doing that."

Abraham Abe Foxman, a prominent Jewish American leader and Israel defender, died at age 86. The Anti-Defamation League confirmed his death, describing him as an outspoken, passionate, and tireless advocate for Jewish people and Israel. A Holocaust survivor, Foxman helped shape US conversations about Israel and antisemitism for decades. He joined the ADL in 1965 and served as national director from 1987 to 2015, during which the organization became one of the most influential advocacy groups in the country. Palestinian rights advocates criticized the ADL for demonizing pro-Palestine activists and conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. Foxman defended Israel’s conduct during the Gaza war, writing that what was happening was tragic but not genocide and that Israel was taking care to avoid civilian harm.

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