Editing Slonim (section)

===Historic population===
The population of Slonim fluctuated, influenced by local prosperity and wars {1883, 21,110; 1897 15,893}. Jewish settlement in Slonim appears to have started in 1388, following encouragement from the Lithuanian authorities. They were credited with the development of local commerce in the 15th century, nonetheless, they were temporarily expelled by the Duchy in 1503. In the late 19th century, Slonim's Jewish population had risen to more than 10,000.<ref name=ledger/> The [[Slonim (Hasidic dynasty)|Slonimer Hasidic dynasty]] came from there. [[Michael Marks|Michael]] and Ephraim Marks (of [[Marks & Spencer]]) were born in Slonim.

The wealthiest family in Slonim before World War II were the Rabinowicz brothers, Vigdor and Yossel. Their parents were Dov-Ber and Rivka Rochel (née Kancepolski). After World War I, they entered the forestry business together with Yaakov Milikowski, and were known as the Rabmils.  They escaped the Nazi atrocities by flying to [[Mandatory Palestine]].