Who Is Steven Sotloff? Age, Biography and Wiki
Steven Sotloff was born on May 11, 1983, in Longwood, Florida. He gained recognition as a courageous American journalist, known for his extensive reporting on conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in Syria and Libya. Tragically, Sotloff was kidnapped in 2013 while covering the Syrian civil war and was later murdered in 2014 by ISIS. His bravery and commitment to journalism have left an indelible mark on the field, and his legacy continues to be celebrated among peers and aspiring journalists.
Steven would have turned 42 years old in 2025. His story remains vital in conversations about freedom of the press and the risks journalists face globally.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Miami, Florida, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Syria |
Popularity
Steven Sotloff's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While exact measurements of Steven Sotloff's height and weight were not widely documented, he was of average height and build, typical of many in the field of journalism. His presence and demeanor were characterized by determination and passion for storytelling rather than physical appearances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Although there is limited public information regarding Steven Sotloff's personal relationships, he is remembered as a dedicated family member and a supportive friend. His commitment to his work often took precedence, leading to minimal disclosure about his dating life. As a journalist, he focused on his professional journey, leaving behind questions about personal relationships for others to speculate on.
Steven Sotloff was the son of Jewish parents Arthur and Shirley Sotloff of Pinecrest, Florida, a suburb of Miami, and a grandson of Holocaust survivors, who inspired him to be "a voice for the voiceless." He was the brother of Lauren Sotloff.
He grew up in Pinecrest, graduated from Rumsey Hall School, Kimball Union Academy, and later attended (but did not graduate from) the University of Central Florida with a major in journalism from 2002 to 2004.
He transferred to the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in Israel from 2005 to 2008, graduating cum laude with a major in government studies and counter-terrorism.
Net Worth and Salary
Due to the nature of his work and the challenges faced in conflict zones, it is difficult to ascertain Steven Sotloff's exact net worth or salary. However, as an investigative journalist, he likely received competitive compensation for his assignments with various news organizations, including Time and CNN. The roles he undertook often prioritized passion over profit, driven by a commitment to uncovering truth and informing the public.
Another memorial, the Steven Sotloff Memorial Garden, spearheaded by Mayor Cindy Lerner of Pinecrest, Florida, is a public place of reflection where Sotloff's family and the public can go and pay their respects to their son.
They chose the site in the village of Pinecrest because they had taken Steven Sotloff to the site as a child when it was Parrot Jungle. The Miami Foundation and Home Depot were involved in its creation.
Career, Business and Investments
Steven Sotloff's career as a journalist spanned several years and various prestigious news outlets. His work in the Middle East showcased both his dedication to hard-hitting journalism and the risks he willingly undertook. Reporting on sensitive geopolitical issues, Steven became known for his articulate storytelling and fearless investigation. After studying at the University of Central Florida, he ventured overseas, immersing himself in the regions he reported on.
Though he was not known for public business investments, his legacy continues to inspire initiatives focused on media safety and the rights of journalists worldwide.
According to Al-Jazeera, Sotloff was in Qatar and wrote a letter of application dated May 29, 2010, to the Arabic for Non Native Speakers (ANNS) faculty at Qatar University. He later traveled around the region with a Yemeni mobile number. His career began during the Arab Spring.
Sotloff had worked for the news magazine Time, as well as The Christian Science Monitor, The National Interest, Media Line, World Affairs, and Foreign Policy, and had appeared on CNN and Fox News. His work took him to Syria a number of times, as well as Egypt, Turkey, Libya, and Bahrain.
Social Network
Steven Sotloff maintained a low-profile social presence during his lifetime. Posthumously, his story is shared extensively through various social media platforms, where advocates for press freedom, journalists, and supporters keep his memory alive, promoting discussions around the importance of media safety and accountability.
The capture and beheading of Steven Sotloff, and of fellow journalist James Foley a month prior, initiated broad public awareness of ISIL/ISIS after the beheadings were shown on the Internet and then on international television.
Sotloff's legacy is in part that he broke the Benghazi story to CNN, that there was no protest, and that he foresaw the massive Syrian Refugee Crisis as he reported on the everyday people's suffering in Syria, thus earning him the reputation as "The Voice for the Voiceless."
Education
Sotloff graduated with a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Florida. His education laid the foundation for a career dedicated to uncovering the truth in some of the world's most dangerous conflicts. He endeavored to provide insight and context to the stories often left untold, making a lasting mark on the industry.
Sotloff emigrated to Israel after a Birthright trip inspired him to fall in love with the country, and held citizenship of both the United States and Israel, although his Jewish background and Israeli citizenship were not made public during his work in Muslim countries or during his captivity for fear that the information might endanger his release
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Sotloff had significant interest in the Middle East and its culture and travelled to Yemen to study Arabic.
