Overview

Michael Edelstein was headstrong and independent, a self-described mamzer. He was 10 years old when he rolled under barbed wire and escaped the roundup of the Jewish townspeople of Skala-Podolsk on the morning of Sukkoth 1942. Six months later, he escaped again from the Borshchov ghetto on the eve of its liquidation. Then he survived another year of hiding in forest bunkers and the ruins of buildings until the Nazis were finally driven from western Ukraine in 1944. Edelstein spent his adolescent years in refugee camps in postwar Germany, arriving penniless in New York in 1951. He served in the U.S. Army, built a business as a roofing contractor and raised a family in Brooklyn-achieving the middle-class American dream. Then, later in life, he amassed a fortune in New York real estate, while also giving back through philanthropy on behalf of Israel and Jewish causes. What gave Michael Edelstein the inner strength to survive the horrors of the Holocaust? How did those experiences shape the man he would become, and set him on a course for business achievement and personal fulfillment? How did he rediscover humanity in himself and the world? These are the questions raised in a compelling tale of Holocaust survival and triumphant personal reinvention. The same mamzer qualities that allowed Edelstein to survive the Holocaust-his courage, determination and practical resourcefulness-were those he applied to compete as a savvy businessman and come out on the top of the heap. Now in his twilight years, Edelstein finally takes the opportunity to narrate the details of his fascinating life story. From his trials in the forests and bunkers, to the purgatory of post-war Poland and Germany, to his early years in the U.S. as a Korea-era GI and self-made small businessman, to his ultimate successes in real estate and philanthropy, Edelstein fills his story with richly remembered details and relates it with characteristic Yiddish humor. Michael Edelstein had to survive before he could thrive. In defying the odds to accomplish both, he also rediscovered his essential humanity-his menschlichkeit-the one thing even the Nazis couldn't kill.

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9781735433714

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A Holocaust survivor reflects on his extraordinary escape from the Nazi death machine and his successful new life in America in this debut memoir. An important addition to the Holocaust genre; horrific, poignant, and ultimately triumphant. - Kirkus Reviews https: //www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/michael-edelstein/live-another-day/ Edelstein's memories of people from all periods of his life-killers and rescuers, refugees and bureaucrats, bosses and employees-are fascinating. Walter Ruby and Dan Ruby listened attentively, researched extensively and captured not only Edelstein's story but also his voice. - Michael Berenbaum, Professor of Jewish Studies, American Jewish University Edelstein's insight-that the same ability that assisted his survival during the Shoah also contributed to his business success in America-is profound and is worthy of further empirical investigation amongst Holocaust survivors generally. - Marshall J. Breger, Professor of Law, Columbus School of Law, Catholic University of America Everyone will learn what I have always known: Not only was Michael energetic and persistent, he had the ability to create the greatest outcomes out of the worst circumstances. - Miriam Schmulewitz Hoffman, retired Columbia University professor, author, journalist and award-winning playwright

Author Information

Michael Edelstein overcame all odds to survive the Holocaust in western Ukraine and to rebuild his life in his adopted homeland of America. Together with his wife, Florence, Michael built a boom- ing roofing business, and later achieved great success as an owner- manager of New York residential real estate. Michael and Florence Edelstein maintain a philanthropic foundation that donates millions of dollars to Israel and Jewish causes. Long-time international Jewish journalist Walter Ruby organizes and advocates for interfaith dialogue. Former tech journalist Dan Ruby is an online content innovator and historical researcher. Their mutual interest in Holocaust history led them to join together with Michael Edlestein to bring his inspiring life story to the world.

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