Teitelbaum ’60, Anti-Defamation League director, dies at 77

As Southern area director of the Anti-Defamation League and national director for regional operations, Arthur Teitelbaum ’60 was “a warrior, a tireless voice for the Jewish community and all communities who have known discrimination, intolerance and hate,” wrote The Miami Herald. Teitelbaum died November 30 at age 77.

Teitelbaum, born August 4, 1938, in New Jersey, earned a degree in speech from Emerson College in 1960 and began his career as a radio broadcaster. After serving in the Army, he

Art Teitelbaum '60, Emerson College alumnus and “tireless voice” for communities who have experienced discrimination, intolerance, and hate

joined the Anti-Defamation League in New York, directed a regional office in Omaha, and then led Miami’s office. He would serve the ADL for more than four decades.

In directing ADL’s Florida operations, Teitelbaum oversaw the agency’s response to extremist activities, including hate crime investigations, and programs in race relations, interreligious cooperation, and police-community relations.

Several Emerson classmates recalled Teitelbaum.

Longtime Emerson faculty member Philip Amato ’60, G ’61, said, “He was a good friend to all of us. I will miss his great sense of humor and bear hugs.”

Classmate Barrett Mandel ’60 said, “This news hit me like a kick in the gut. He was my freshman roommate. Back then and up to the present he was a good guy. He made a difference during his time here. He will be missed.”

Classmate Janet Colson ’60 remembered Teitelbaum as “funny, compassionate, and smart.”

Macey Levin ’60 recalled a dinner last summer with Teitelbaum and his wife: “It was as if 50-plus years had passed in an instant. I loved his openness, warmth, and sense of humor. His work for the Anti-Defamation League has my respect and deepest gratitude.”

Teitelbaum is survived by his wife, Brenda Kilmer, daughter Jennifer Gladson, grandchildren Avery and Shane Gladson, and sister Audrey.