Nathan Perlmutter (1920–1987) was an American Jewish leader and civil rights advocate who served as National Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) from 1978 until his death in 1987. Born in the Bronx, New York, to a Jewish immigrant family, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II and later pursued education that shaped his commitment to interfaith and civil rights work. Before leading the ADL, he held roles with the American Jewish Congress and B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundations, directing campus activities at universities like the University of Minnesota. As ADL National Director, succeeding Max Fisher, he expanded the organization's focus on combating antisemitism, promoting civil rights, fostering intergroup relations, and using education and legal action against discrimination. He was known for his outspoken advocacy against bigotry and coalition-building across diverse communities. Perlmutter was married to Debra Perlmutter, had children, and died from cancer in 1987. His successor, Abraham Foxman, built upon his initiatives, and his legacy remains influential in the fight against hate and prejudice in the United States.