ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

Our Story

A brief look at the people, values, and experiences that shaped the Slutzker Family Foundation.

THE STORY

A Story of Resilience, Family and Service

A Remarkable Beginning

Born October 7, 1917, in Budapest, Hungary, Lillian Slutzker fled Nazi control for England after her parents were killed at Auschwitz. Prior to the Normandy invasion of World War II, she met Emanuel “Manny” Slutzker at a USO dance.

A week after they met, Manny proposed. Lillian replied, “Let’s see if you get back first.”

“Let’s see if you get back first.”

LILLIAN SLUTZKER

Building a Life in Central New York

After the war ended, Manny returned to his hometown of Rome, New York. Lillian followed in 1947, and the two were married. In 1949, they purchased what was then a smoke shop on Marshall Street in Syracuse.

Lillian fondly remembered those early years. Manny sold a wide variety of merchandise, including clothing, hats, imported cigarettes, and books. He became a pioneer in Syracuse’s paperback business and was among the first locally to offer Penguin paperbacks.

Manny’s involvement in the textbook business also led to a close and lasting relationship with the University community. Students and professors came to depend on him for the books they needed, and Lillian recalled that he always worked hard to have them available on time.

Leadership Through Adversity

When Manny’s health began to deteriorate in the early 1980s, Lillian assumed greater responsibility for the business while caring for him.

Manny lived with Alzheimer’s disease for nine years before his death in 1985 at age 69. After his passing, Lillian continued operating the store with help from their son, Craig.

She later reflected on the challenge of earning the respect of the business community, saying, “I didn’t know I had such talents!”

Faith, Service and Community

Lillian was deeply committed to Judaism and to the Central New York community. She was an active member of Temple Adath Yeshurun and served on both the Temple board and the Temple sisterhood.

Her involvement extended to B’nai B’rith International, the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Hillel at Syracuse University, the Jewish Community Center, and the Syracuse Hebrew Day School.

Her love of animals also led to involvement with organizations including the Humane Society, the National Humane Education Society, and the ASPCA.

Lillian was also dedicated to supporting international students at Syracuse University. In 2000, the University’s international services center was named the Lillian and Emanuel Slutzker Center for International Services in recognition of that commitment.

Carrying Their Values Forward

The Slutzker Family Foundation was founded in 2018 to carry forward the values and causes that mattered deeply to Lillian and Manny.

Based in Fayetteville, New York, the Foundation provides grants to organizations whose activities align with its religious, charitable, educational, and scientific purposes.

CONTINUING THEIR COMMITMENT

Helping Build Stronger Communities

The Foundation continues to support organizations whose work reflects the values of service, education, faith, generosity, and community.