The YIVO Institute for Jewish Research mourns the passing of Bruce Slovin, Chairman of the YIVO Board of Trustees from 1985 to 2012 and Chairman Emeritus from 2012 until his death. Bruce was responsible for many new initiatives at YIVO during his tenure; he brought new energy to the Board and established major new archival projects. He was a vital part of building the new YIVO and caring for the old and was responsible for establishing The Center for Jewish History, YIVO’s home since its founding in 2000. Bruce helped initiate YIVO's digital future, a new and vibrant dimension of the organization with the publication of the acclaimed YIVO Encyclopedia of Jews in Eastern Europe, edited by Gershon Hundert, the online version of which, launched in 2010, is now used by over 200,000 individuals annually. In 2018 he established the award-winning YIVO Bruce and Francesca Cernia Slovin Online Museum that teaches Jewish history of Eastern Europe to students around the world and has recently been translated into Lithuanian. Bruce’s leadership and unfailing support over so many years was essential for YIVO’s reaching its 100th Anniversary in 2025 with confidence and strength. We will miss Bruce’s imagination and dynamism. May his memory be a blessing.

Ruth Levine, Chair, YIVO Board
Jonathan Brent, Executive Director & CEO