Maikl Edelshteyn
- Boyhood in the Shadow of Hate
- Defying Death and Embracing Hope
- Triumphing Adversity and Finding a New Home
- Pursuing the American Dream
- From Soldier to Successful Entrepreneur
- A Passion for Connection and Cultural Roots
- Navigating the Landlord Landscape
- Building Beyond Bricks and Mortar
- A Life Well-Lived
Boyhood in the Shadow of Hate
In the quaint town of Skala, Western Ukraine, the year 1942 marked a dark chapter in the life of young Muyna (Michael) Edelstein. On the bleak morning of Sukkot, German forces invaded, herding the town's 800 Jews into a barbed-wire enclosure. Amidst the chaos, a horrific act unfolded before Muyna's eyes: a Nazi officer shot a woman in the mouth, her blood staining the dirt.
Defying Death and Embracing Hope
Driven by desperation, 10-year-old Muyna slipped through the fence and escaped into the night. His friend, who'd joined him, was caught and shot. Hiding in a hay-filled barn, Muyna narrowly evaded Nazi searchers thanks to the intervention of a Ukrainian woman.
After days of wandering and seeking shelter, Muyna found his father, Shulem, who'd been spared by a German officer in need of a tinsmith. Together, they lived in a forest bunker, relying on the kindness of villagers for food and water. Yet, one winter day, their supplies ran dry, leaving them on the brink of starvation.
Triumphing Adversity and Finding a New Home
Despite the constant threat of danger and the lingering trauma of the Holocaust, Muyna and Shulem persevered. When Soviet forces liberated Skala in 1944, Shulem struggled to walk due to prolonged confinement. Nevertheless, he was conscripted into the Soviet Army, leaving Muyna alone once more.
At the age of 12, Muyna started learning his father's trade, using scrap metal to make cookware. The end of the war brought new challenges: choosing their nationality between Poland and the USSR. With guidance from his father, the Edelsteins chose Poland and eventually found themselves in a displaced persons camp in Germany.
Pursuing the American Dream
In 1950, Shulem and Muyna (now known as Solomon and Michael) arrived in the United States. Michael followed in his father's footsteps as a tinsmith, but in 1951, he was drafted into the Army and sent to fight in the Korean War.
From Soldier to Successful Entrepreneur
Upon returning from Korea in 1954, Michael married his beloved Florence (Sophia). That same year marked their "golden wedding" anniversary. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Michael ventured into the roofing business, eventually acquiring his first building in 1969. Through a combination of shrewd decision-making and hard work, he built a real estate empire of 70 buildings, owned not solely by him but also by his family.
A Passion for Connection and Cultural Roots
Michael's success story is deeply intertwined with his personal experiences. He holds a special affinity for Russian immigrants, recalling how Soviet soldiers liberated him from Nazi tyranny. His respect extends to his Russian tenants, both in his buildings and beyond.
Navigating the Landlord Landscape
As a landlord, Michael faces the realities of inflation and rising operational costs. While rent increases often draw criticism, he explains the complexities of the industry, including the need to cover expenses and maintain the quality of his buildings.
Building Beyond Bricks and Mortar
Beyond his business ventures, Michael is an active philanthropist, supporting organizations like the United Jewish Federation and sponsoring cancer research. His involvement in building bridges between cultures has taken him to Israel, Germany, and beyond.
A Life Well-Lived
Throughout his extraordinary journey, Michael Edelstein has faced adversity with courage, embraced opportunity with determination, and spread his generosity far and wide. From his humble beginnings as Muyna in wartime Ukraine to his status as a successful businessman in New York, his story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of connection that transcends the boundaries of time and prejudice.
