(VINnews) – Abraham Foxman, the longtime national director of the Anti-Defamation League who became one of the most recognizable voices combating antisemitism and extremism in America, has died at the age of 86.

Foxman led the ADL from 1987 until stepping down in 2015, later serving as national director emeritus. He was succeeded by Jonathan Greenblatt.

Born May 1, 1940, in what is now Belarus, Foxman survived the Holocaust after his parents entrusted him to the care of his Polish Catholic nanny in an effort to save his life during World War II. He was reunited with his parents in 1944, and the family immigrated to the United States in 1950.

After graduating from New York University School of Law, Foxman joined the ADL and rose through the organization’s ranks before becoming national director.

Under his leadership, the ADL expanded its role as one of the nation’s leading organizations tracking hate groups, antisemitism and extremism.

Following his retirement, Foxman served from 2016 to 2021 as vice chair of the board of trustees of Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York.

His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday morning and will be livestreamed.