Inducted 1993
Philip Slomovitz
founder and editor, The Jewish News
“To speak out without malice.” This was Philip Slomovitz’s creed for 96 years. Born in Minsk in 1896, Mr. Slomovitz’s career in journalism began in 1910. His degree in journalism at the University of Michigan prepared him for 18 years of service with The Detroit News and The Jewish Chronicle. Then, in 1942, Mr. Slomovitz founded his own newspaper, The Jewish News. Under his visionary leadership, The Jewish News became the most profitable English-language Jewish newspaper in the United States. In his untiring devotion to Jewry and the Zionist movement, he never lost sight of those he sought to serve. He dedicated his newspaper and his life to the Detroit Jewish community. Mr. Slomovitz wrote a weekly column for the last 71 years; 51 of those years were for The Jewish News. Remarkably he missed only one issue in all that time: the first edition after he retired. As a champion for his cause, Philip Slomovitz’s voice has been heard loudly and clearly. One of his colleagues noted, “His perspective and insightful editorials have influenced three generations of local and national Jewish leaders.” And countless others. His unshakable dedication to firmly and steadfastly seek the truth and oppose injustice in any form made him one of the most influential Jewish journalist in America. Internationally renowned, Philip Slomovitz was respected and admired for his integrity, grace, courage and compassion. He died February 17, 1993.