Left to right:
Gary Rosenblatt,
editor; Arthur Horwitz,
associate publisher;
Charles A. Buerger,
publisher; Sylvia
Stafford, general
manager.

Dear Reader,
W

e are proud to have been a part of The Jewish News story these past 50 years and to share
a masthead with Philip Slomovitz, the dean of American Jewish journalism.
Despite his poor eyesight, Phil is a man of vision, having founded The Jewish News in 1942 on the
principles of journalistic integrity and ethics. At 95, we wish him many more years of health and activity
as he continues to set a remarkable example for us, and the entire staff.
When we took the helm of The Jewish News in March, 1984, we pledged to continue along the path
Phil charted, and have strived since then to provide balanced, thorough and sensitive coverage of the
Jewish world, from the Mideast to the Midwest, from South Africa to Southfield.
There were some false starts. During the first few weeks, for example, we moved the obituary page
and there was an outcry from you, the readers. We responded by moving the obituaries back to their
regular place. lb this day, readers still remind us of our error! We learned a valuable lesson . . . one
which we carry with us every day: you read "your" Jewish News closely and you care. We take your
advice and opinions seriously.
Since 1984, we have more than doubled our page volume, staff and "news hole" while focusing on
the quality of writing and the professionalism of our graphic presentation. The fact that The Jewish
News and its editors have been honored by the American Jewish Press Association with numerous
.awards — for news and feature writing, investigative reporting, photography, layout and graphic design —
in the last eight years is testimony to our commitment.
This commitment goes beyond the pages of The Jewish News. We have been active in supporting
many causes, inside and outside the Jewish community, which promote the spirit of volunteerism, further
understanding and dialogue among diverse religious and ethnic groups, and advance the principles of
tzedakah.
Our community is a unique blend of traditionalism and modernity, underscored by the fact that we
have the leading Jewish federation in North America. Throughout our tenure, the lay and professional
staffs of the federation have been a source of support and inspiration. While we value our independence,
and have occasionally disagreed with positions taken by the federation, we are proud of our shared
commitment to work for the good of the Jewish community.
Finally, it is you, dear reader, who deserves our appreciation and gratitude for demanding
excellence from this newspaper and caring passionately about Israel, your people and your community.
You have invited us into your homes every week. You have made us a part of your families . . . for 50
years. It is an honor we will never take for granted.
This commemorative issue of The Jewish News seeks to capture the growth and vitality experienced
by our community these past 50 years. Through the reproduction of famous front pages, history comes
alive and we regain perspective on the perils and triumphs of our people. Stories, photos and essays
reflect on the past and forecast the future. It's likely that somewhere in this issue, you'll find your own
name, or that of a relative. After all, you, too, are part of our community's history and a reason for its
vibrancy — and ours.
As we embark on the next 50 years of The Jewish News, may we continue to grow, together, from
strength to strength.

Charles A. Buerger

Gary Rosenblatt

Publisher

Editor

""

Arthur M. Horwitz

Sylvia Stafford

Associate Publisher

General Manager