A Man of Success in the Land of Success

This book captures the story of Marcel Goldman, born in Krakow in 1926, Holocaust survivor, and respected banker. Through the book's subject, readers are provided a close look at the birth of modern economy in Israel. Marcel Goldman’s example shows that Israel’s success is the sum of its citizens’ successes.

Łukasz Tomasz Sroka (born 1979), professor of humanities in the field of history, infobroker, since 2019 chairman of the History Discipline Council of the Pedagogical University in Krakow, head of the Department of the 19th Century History of that University, chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Monuments of Jewish Culture of the Society of History and Lovers Krakow Sights. He conducts research on the history and culture of Jews in the 19th and 20th centuries, Polish-Jewish relations, the history of contemporary Israel, Polish-Israeli relations and the history of Galicia (especially Lviv and Krakow). Creator or co-creator of several international exhibitions on Jewish topics. His achievements include over 100 scientific papers published in various countries of the world, he is the author of the monograph entitled In the Light of Vienna. Jews in Lviv - between Tradition and Modernization (1867-1914), (2019) and co-editor of the study volume Polish-Israeli Cooperation Experience, from Zionism to Israel (2017).

Łukasz Tomasz Sroka is Professor of History, infobroker, Chairman of the History Discipline Council, and Head of the Department of 19th Century History at the Pedagogical University in Krakow. He also serves as chairman of the Committee for the Preservation of Monuments of Jewish Culture of the Society of History and Monuments Enthusiasts. He conducts research on the history and culture of Jews in the 19th and 20th centuries, Polish-Jewish relations, the history of contemporary Israel, Polish-Israeli relations and the history of Galicia (especially Lviv and Krakow). Sroka is the creator or co-creator of several international exhibitions on Jewish topics. His achievements include over 100 scientific papers published in numerous countries. He is the author of the monograph In the Light of Vienna: Jews in Lviv. Between Tradition and Modernization (1867-1914), (2019) and co-editor of the volume Polish-Israeli Cooperation Experience, from Zionism to Israel (2017).

“This book about Marcel Goldman, written by Prof. Łukasz Tomasz Sroka, reveals to the reader a fascinating story of a man who experienced the horrors of the Holocaust, and despite the difficulties and barriers of culture and acclimatizing in Israel, succeeded on a personal and public level. Goldman has climbed to the high level of the State of Israel’s economy and has contributed greatly to this field. Alongside his professional success, Goldman established a home in Israel and a glorious family. I believe that this book will shed light on Marcel Goldman's life story and work as an example of willpower, determination, diligence, zest for life, and certainly a role model. A Man of Success in the Land of Success is an important contribution to research on personal stories about Jews from Krakow and at the same time sheds light on Krakow Jewry before, during, and after World War II.”

– Dr. Batya Brutin, Beit Berl Academic College, Israel

"This book by Łukasz Tomasz Sroka presents several interesting layers focused on Marcel Goldman, who becomes a case study for placing a biography within a wider historical context.

The book begins with the history of the Goldman’s family in pre-war Krakow presented against the backdrop of Polish-Jewish coexistence, and covers the time of the Holocaust and describes the complicated situation of those years, including the family’s escape from the Krakow ghetto in 1942. Goldman’s eventual fate in Israel, including his pioneering beginnings, adaptation, and professional successes, are then presented against the background of a fairly extensive history of Israel.

Łukasz T. Sroka is an outstanding specialist in the field of the history of Krakow Jews and the history of Israel, which is why he brilliantly inscribed Marcel Goldman in the fate of Jews in the twentieth century. The book can be a model and a point of reference for researchers who want to present a biography of Polish and Krakow Jews in connection with the history of Poland and Israel.”

– Michał Galas, Jagiellonian University