James W. Foley Legacy Foundation

06/05/2026

The Foley Foundation is proud to share Parisa Salehi’s deeply personal account of discovering, at 11 years old, that her uncle was being held hostage in Iran.

Her words shed light on the often unseen toll hostage taking takes on families, especially children. Through confusion, fear, and years of uncertainty, Parisa’s experience reminds us that wrongful detention doesn’t just affect individuals; it ripples through entire families and communities.

We’re grateful for Parisa’s courage in sharing her voice!

Read Parisa’s story in entirety here: https://jamesfoleyfoundation.org/moral-courage/i-googled-my-uncle-thats-how-i-found-out-he-was-a-hostage

(Parisa Salehi is a rising junior at The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia. Her uncle, Emad Shargi, was wrongfully detained in Iran for 1,975 days and was released along with four other Americans in September 2023. Her Mother, Neda Sharghi is a current Foley Foundation Board member and long time supporter of our mission)

Parisa Salehi and her uncle, Emad Shargi By Parisa Salehi I found out from Google that my uncle was being held hostage in Iran. At 11 years old, I was intrigued by researching each of my family members online. And that’s how it happened – as I sat at my corner desk on the family […]

06/05/2026

Committee to Protect Journalists alarmed by new prison recording from Reza Valizadeh in Iran’s Evin Prison

“Journalist Reza Valizadeh’s recording from prison is a powerful cry for help and a stark reminder of the dangers faced by journalists wrongfully detained in Iran. His account raises urgent concerns about his health and treatment in custody,” - CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah.

Read in entirety here:

The Committee to Protect Journalists is deeply concerned by jailed Iranian-American journalist Reza Valizadeh’s latest harrowing report of physical pressure, psychological abuse, and the denial of critical medical care inside Tehran’s Evin Prison. A recently released voice memo, obtained and air...

06/04/2026

Congratulations to 2026 James W. Foley UMass Memorial Prize winner Matthew Littwin!

This award honors the courage and legacy of Jim Foley, UMass Amherst MFA alum, writer, and journalist, by supporting voices that reflect political awareness, empathy, and a commitment to stories beyond borders.

Matthew’s work carries that spirit forward. Congratulations!

06/01/2026

2026 JAMES W. FOLEY FREEDOM AWARDS SPONSOR

The Foley Foundation is deeply grateful to the Libertas Foundation for their generous sponsorship of the James W. Foley Freedom Awards. Our mission is to advocate for American hostages and wrongful detainees held abroad and to promote the safety of journalists worldwide. With the support of sponsors like the Libertas Foundation, we are better equipped to carry this mission forward by raising awareness, honoring moral courage, and driving meaningful change.

We also extend our sincere thanks to Sandrea Hwang and Mohamed Soltan. Your support strengthens our mission in every way.

WWW.FOLEYFREEDOMAWARDS.ORG

05/29/2026

2026 JAMES W. FOLEY FREEDOM AWARDS SPONSOR

The Foley Foundation is deeply grateful to the Embassy of the State of Qatar for their generous sponsorship of the 2026 Foley Freedom Awards.

This year, we honored H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al‑Khulaifi, whose steadfast commitment to dialogue and diplomacy has helped bring hostages home and offer hope to families advocating for their loved ones.

The Embassy’s sponsorship reflects a shared belief in the power of compassion and moral courage.

WWW.FOLEYFREEDOMAWARDS.ORG

05/28/2026

The Foley Foundation proud to share that Diane Foley is serving as a Juror for the London International Awards as they introduce a new Democracy and Human Rights category.

Diane’s voice and leadership in this space continue to shine a light on the importance of freedom, dignity, and human rights for all.

Congratulations to LIA on this meaningful initiative!

05/26/2026

Yesterday, on Memorial Day, we paused to honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their courage and sacrifice are the foundation of the freedoms we hold dear.

As we reflect, we also recognize that the fight for freedom continues today in many ways. Journalists around the world risk their lives to report the truth and Americans are still being held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad. Their families are waiting, hoping, and advocating for their safe return.

Yesterday, today and always, we honor those we have lost and stand with those still at risk.

05/22/2026

FAMILIES OF AMERICANS OVERSEAS WRONGFULLY DETAINED BRING ADVOCACY TO CAPITOL HILL

“For a lot of these families, it’s the last photo they have of their loved one. Art offers so much opportunity for storytelling and interpretation and reflection that I think it’s really the best way to meet people and remind them that these people are not political issues, they’re human beings.” - artist for the campaign, Isaac Campbell.

Read in entirety here:

Facebook Twitter 1 WASHINGTON — American journalist Reza Valizadeh visited his elderly Iranian parents in March 2024 for the first time in 15 years. Valizadeh’s stories for Voice of America and other U.S. government-funded outlets often criticized the Iranian regime. So before traveling, he soug...

05/21/2026

2026 JAMES W. FOLEY FREEDOM AWARDS SPONSOR

A heartfelt thank you to Perles Law Firm, especially to Steve and Josh, for your continued sponsorship of the Foley Freedom Awards.

Your steadfast support means so much to the foundation and plays a critical role in helping us honor those who exemplify moral courage.

We are deeply grateful for your commitment to this mission. Thank you for being such an integral part of the Foley Freedom Awards.

WWW.FOLEYFREEDOMAWARDS.ORG

05/20/2026

Today we celebrate one year of freedom for Joseph St. Clair, who was wrongfully detained in Venezuela!

Joseph was taken and unjustly held in Venezuela, along with almost a dozen other Americans, after Maduro falsely claimed an electoral victory in 2024.

Joseph’s release marked a long-awaited reunion with his family and serves as a reminder of the importance of sustained advocacy and diplomatic engagement.