Foxman led the ADL for nearly three decades, serving as national director from 1987 until his retirement in 2015. Following his departure from the position, he continued to hold the title of national director emeritus until his passing.

Born on May 1, 1940, in territory that is today part of Belarus, Foxman survived the Holocaust as an infant after his parents placed him in the care of a Polish Catholic nanny in an effort to save his life during the Nazi occupation.

He remained hidden during the war years before reuniting with his parents in 1944. The family later immigrated to the United States in 1950.

After earning a law degree from New York University School of Law, Foxman joined the Anti-Defamation League and steadily advanced through the organization’s leadership ranks before ultimately being chosen to head the group in 1987.

Under Foxman’s leadership, the ADL expanded its role as a leading national organization focused on fighting antisemitism, extremism, and discrimination.

In 2015, Foxman stepped down from his longtime position and was succeeded by Jonathan Greenblatt.