Abe Foxman Dead at 86 as New York Mourns Anti‑Hate Crusader

New York is saying goodbye to one of its most recognizable Jewish leaders. Abe Foxman, the longtime head of the Anti‑Defamation League and a forceful public voice against antisemitism, has died at 86, according to New York Attorney General Letitia James, who announced his passing on X on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Details about how or where he died were not immediately available.

From Holocaust Survivor to Former ADL Chief

A child survivor of Nazi‑occupied Europe, Foxman went on to become one of the most prominent American Jewish leaders of his era. Wikipedia records that he was born on May 1, 1940, and that he served as the Anti‑Defamation League's national director from 1987 until his retirement in 2015. That retirement marked the end of a 28‑year run that, as noted by The New York Times, was defined by his high‑profile fights against antisemitism, hate speech and efforts to distort Holocaust history.

New York Roots and Lifelong Civic Presence

Even after stepping down as national director, Foxman remained deeply woven into New York's Jewish communal landscape and civic scene. The ADL's headquarters at 605 Third Avenue in Manhattan has long served as the organization's New York base, and Foxman was a fixture there for decades. As reported by JTA, he stayed active after his ADL tenure, serving on boards and continuing to appear at public events.

What Officials Have Said So Far

NY AG James posted her tribute at 18:47:37 UTC on May 10, 2026, calling her heart "heavy" at the news and saying Foxman "spent his life serving his communities" while wishing that his memory be a blessing. As of publication time, neither the Anti‑Defamation League nor Foxman's family had released a formal public statement. This article will be updated when an official statement or additional details are made available.