Diane Foley

Diane Foley, mother of executed journalist James Foley, shares her heart-wrenching journey of tragedy and forgiveness. After her son's death, she met one of his killers, illustrating her remarkable moral courage. Diane discusses how she transformed her grief into advocacy through The Foley Foundation, advocating for kidnapped Americans and journalist safety. She emphasizes the importance of empathy and resilience, urging listeners to find humanity even in those who seem irredeemable, a powerful message for our divisive times.

Diane Foley, founder of the Foley Foundation and mother of journalist James Foley, shines a light on America's inadequate hostage-recovery efforts. She shares her experiences navigating government responses during her son's kidnapping and advocates for reforms to improve current systems. Foley discusses the shift from traditional kidnappings to wrongful detentions by state actors and underscores the need for better deterrence and transparency. With insights on public awareness and contrasting responses from nations like Israel, she emphasizes why the U.S. must prioritize its citizens abroad.

Colum McCann, bestselling author of acclaimed novels, joins Diane Foley, founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, in a poignant discussion about forgiveness and grief. They explore Diane's extraordinary choice to forgive her son Jim's executioner, showcasing the power of love in the face of tragedy. The conversation also touches on significant changes in U.S. hostage policy sparked by Jim's death, highlighting the complexities of justice and the importance of empathy amidst loss.