Abe Foxman, who led the Anti Defamation League from 1987 to 2015, was for decades the most prominent national voice defining and combating antisemitism in the United States. A Holocaust survivor, he became known for his forceful public advocacy, unwavering support for Israel, and his role as a moral authority in American Jewish life. His influence was so significant that many referred to him as the 'Jewish pope,' a reflection of both his stature and the broad platform he commanded.

Foxman’s tenure was not without controversy. The organization settled a lawsuit over allegations of spying on progressive groups, and he faced criticism for opposing the construction of a mosque near the site of the September 11 attacks. Still, he led during a period when much of the American Jewish community shared a stronger consensus around Israel, partisan politics, and the understanding of antisemitism.

That unity has since fractured. Surveys show declining attachment to Israel and growing political polarization among American Jews. At the same time, antisemitism has risen, alongside deep disagreements over how to define it and which political forces are most responsible. Foxman’s successor has expanded the organization’s reach, but he operates in a far more divided environment.

Foxman’s death at 86 has prompted reflection not only on his legacy but on the era he represented. In today’s fragmented landscape, it is difficult to imagine a single figure commanding the same broad authority or serving as a unifying moral voice for American Jews.