Klutznick, Philip Morris

Philip Klutznick was many things in his life: a visionary builder, a diplomat, a philanthropist, and a civic leader. 

Klutznick took on his first leadership role in Aleph Zadik Aleph (AZA), when he helped charter the second AZA chapter, Greater Kansas City, in 1924. The following year, as the organization expanded, he was elected to be the second Grand Aleph Godol. 

Klutznick graduated from Creighton University with a law degree and embarked on a career in construction. He helped build homes for defense workers during World War II and later partnered with Marshall Field & Company to build department stores. His business success allowed him to work in civil service. Klutznick served every President of the United States from Franklin D. Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter. His three-month term as a United Nations delegate eventually led him to the rank of Ambassador on the UN Economic and Social Council in 1960. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter selected Klutnick to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, in part for his role in the Arab-Israeli peace talks.

Klutznick’s continued involvement with B’nai B’rith included two three-year terms as president. During his service, he oversaw the organization's worldwide growth. He worked to strengthen lodges in post-war Europe and Israel, advocating that German reparations should fund Jewish organizations. His deep roots in AZA and involvement in the American federal government made a profound difference for BBYO and the Jewish community at large. 

He also served as president of the World Jewish Congress, chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the United Jewish Fund, and president of the Chicago Bulls basketball team.

Klutnick died of Alzheimer’s disease on August 14, 1999.