A decade has passed since the journalist, who was executed by ISIS in 2014, was a mother. She reflects on her loss and her son's legacy.

Since the terrorist group ISIS beheaded American journalist James Foley 10 years ago, his mother has transformed her grief into purposeful action that pays tribute to his legacy.

Diane Foley has devoted her life to aiding innocent Americans held captive abroad and safeguarding journalists through the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation. Although she will always remember the day ISIS terrorists claimed her son's life, she experiences mixed emotions on the solemn anniversary.

Diane Foley, mother of the late journalist James Foley, shared her thoughts with Planet Chronicle Digital about the complex emotions she feels regarding her son's death. She expressed gratitude for her oldest son, Jim, who had always wanted to make a positive impact in the world. Despite the ongoing grief, she finds comfort in Jim's moral courage and aspirations.

"He aimed to make a positive impact on the world. As a result, I appreciate how he has encouraged me and other Americans, as well as individuals worldwide, to strive for improvement and utilize our talents for the betterment of others."

Diane Foley stated that she would not have been able to endure the past ten years without the assistance of the individuals she has encountered through the foundation she established following the brutal murder of her son, which stunned the world.

In November 2012, Foley was kidnapped in northern Syria while working as a freelancer for Agence France-Presse and GlobalPost, covering that country's civil war. After two years in captivity, ISIS released a video titled "A Message to America" showing Foley's beheading on Aug. 19, 2014, in retaliation for Obama administration's airstrikes against ISIS in Iraq. An American drone strike eventually killed Foley's killer, Mohammed Emwazi, and ISIS leaders involved received life sentences in 2022.

Diane Foley, who conversed with one of the terrorists in a Virginia courtroom, recounted her emotional journey in the 2024 book "American Mother," and utilized the earnings to aid other journalists.

Diane Foley emphasized the significance of press freedom in our democracy, stating that we require journalists who are brave enough to uncover the truth and hold those in power accountable.

She expressed that James believed journalists have a "noble role" and should dig for facts to report both sides of critical stories and combat misinformation, which has become a prevalent issue in recent years. She is worried that fair and balanced journalists who report from dangerous conflicts may be targeted, as she experienced with her son.

Since its inception, the Foley Foundation has diligently promoted safety education for aspiring journalists and freelancers who may not have access to advanced protection for their work.

"In my opinion, journalists are just as important as our military in maintaining our freedom, even though their roles are different."

Diane Foley closely monitored the situation of Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was released Aug. 1 as part of a multinational prisoner exchange following an unjust detention of over a year by Russia.

Diane Foley, who felt that the Obama administration did not do enough to bring her son home when he refused to negotiate with terrorists, was overwhelmed with emotions when Gershkovich was greeted by President Biden and hugged his mother upon his safe return to American soil.

"It's bittersweet because I knew our son was a gifted and beautiful human being, but I couldn't help but wonder why they couldn't have done it for him. However, I feel it's a miraculous turn, and that's the blessing in it," she said.

The Obama administration revised its strategy for handling American citizens held abroad following Foley's beheading by terrorists, resulting in the creation of an FBI-led hostage recovery team and a State Department special envoy position after the White House received "unacceptable" feedback from the Foley family.

Diane Foley is grateful that American leaders will take the necessary steps to bring innocent citizens back home.

"We've progressed from disregarding one of our own, who is unjustly detained or kidnapped, to bringing them home with a lot of attention and priority in just ten years," she stated.

"The Biden administration's approach to working with allies on this issue is commendable, as it is often associated with war and building coalitions, but not as frequently with peace and protecting citizens. Despite having mixed feelings, the positive change is what stands out to me, and I am grateful for it."

Diane, who lost her son to ISIS, advises aspiring journalists to be knowledgeable about the politics, history, language, and safety measures before reporting from any country.

She emphasized the importance of hearing from underrepresented regions and those who prefer to promote their own message.

Diane Foley intended to attend mass on the 10th anniversary of her son's death and hope that the foundation he established, Jim's Legacy, would continue to bring good.

"Jim was a unique individual who deeply believed in the goodness of others and the well-being of his country and the world. I hope we can continue to inspire others to be courageous in their moral actions, as our country, the world, and especially our children require it," she stated.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.