To many Americans, the decision of Abe Foxman, the head of the Anti-Defamation League, to oppose the so-called "ground zero mosque" seemed out of character. After all, Foxman is often treated by the media as an arbiter of tolerance; that he would come out in favor of Islamophobia was jarring.
But in truth, Foxman's actions have been out of step with the stated mission of the ADL for some time. What is new is the backlash his latest pronouncement has generated, with even many of his traditional allies speaking out against him. And since his role is so dependent on moral authority, it may now be time for him to think about finding another job.
The ADL's mission has always been to aggressively promote tolerance. They've relentlessly called attention to white power groups, from the KKK to the neo-Nazis to the militia movement, and sponsored diversity-oriented educational programs. They've also been somewhat supportive of interfaith relations, denouncing an anti-Mormon film in the early 1980s. They can be an attack dog, the public face of the Jewish nonprofit sector, willing to make a public stink about anti-Semitic comments even when others are hesitant.