
Abraham Henry Foxman
Lawyer, Activist, and National Director of the ADL
- Lifespan
- May 1, 1940 – May 10, 2026May 1, 1940 – May 10, 2026
- Location
- Manhattan, New York, USAManhattan, NY

Lawyer, Activist, and National Director of the ADL
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Key moments and achievements from Abraham Foxman's life.
Abraham was born
· Manhattan, New York, USA
Survival
Yelena and Iosif Fuksman entrust their infant son to his Catholic nanny, Bronisława Kurpi, to save him from the Holocaust. Kurpi has the child baptized and raises him under the name Henryk Stanisław Kurpi. He spends his early years entirely unaware of his Jewish heritage.
Survival
Yelena and Iosif Fuksman entrust their infant son to his Catholic nanny, Bronisława Kurpi, to save him from the Holocaust. Kurpi has the child baptized and raises him under the name Henryk Stanisław Kurpi. He spends his early years entirely unaware of his Jewish heritage.
Legal Battle
Following the liberation of Vilnius, Foxman's parents miraculously return to reclaim their son. His nanny initially refuses to return him, leading to a tense legal custody battle. The conflict over his identity profoundly shapes his future worldview.
Legal Battle
Following the liberation of Vilnius, Foxman's parents miraculously return to reclaim their son. His nanny initially refuses to return him, leading to a tense legal custody battle. The conflict over his identity profoundly shapes his future worldview.
Relocation
After spending time in an Austrian displaced persons camp, ten-year-old Foxman and his parents immigrate to the United States. They settle in Brooklyn, where he begins to immerse himself in his reclaimed Jewish faith. He eventually graduates from the Yeshivah of Flatbush.
Relocation
After spending time in an Austrian displaced persons camp, ten-year-old Foxman and his parents immigrate to the United States. They settle in Brooklyn, where he begins to immerse himself in his reclaimed Jewish faith. He eventually graduates from the Yeshivah of Flatbush.
Appointment
After joining the Anti-Defamation League in 1965 as a legal assistant, Foxman is appointed as its National Director. He transforms the organization into a massive advocacy group with a $60 million budget. He earns a reputation as a fierce defender of civil rights and a primary arbiter of antisemitism.
Appointment
After joining the Anti-Defamation League in 1965 as a legal assistant, Foxman is appointed as its National Director. He transforms the organization into a massive advocacy group with a $60 million budget. He earns a reputation as a fierce defender of civil rights and a primary arbiter of antisemitism.
Recognition
French President Jacques Chirac awards Foxman the rank of Knight in the Legion of Honor. The prestigious award recognizes his decades of tireless work fighting antisemitism globally. It cements his status as an international moral authority.
Recognition
French President Jacques Chirac awards Foxman the rank of Knight in the Legion of Honor. The prestigious award recognizes his decades of tireless work fighting antisemitism globally. It cements his status as an international moral authority.
Retirement
Foxman steps down as National Director of the Anti-Defamation League after 28 years of leadership. He leaves behind a transformed organization and a legacy of interfaith dialogue. He continues his advocacy work through writing and serving on various memorial boards.
Retirement
Foxman steps down as National Director of the Anti-Defamation League after 28 years of leadership. He leaves behind a transformed organization and a legacy of interfaith dialogue. He continues his advocacy work through writing and serving on various memorial boards.
Abraham Foxman passed away