Holocaust Survivor Emerik Blum's Legacy Lives On in New Documentary
Holocaust survivor Emerik Blum, a man known for his unyielding love for people, has left an indelible mark on history. After escaping a concentration camp, Blum went on to found Energoinvest, a successful Yugoslav company built on self-management and worker participation. His legacy is now being preserved through a documentary directed by Bosnian filmmaker Jasmila Žbanić, titled 'Blum - Masters of Their Own Destiny'.
Blum's journey began in the horrors of the Holocaust, an experience that could have broken many. Yet, he emerged with an unparalleled love for people, a trait that defined his meta and career. After World War II, he founded Energoinvest, implementing a unique business model that prioritized employee well-being and equality. Under his leadership, the company thrived, with workers actively involved in management and sharing in the profits.
Blum's commitment to education was evident in his provision of comprehensive learning opportunities for his employees, including scholarships for further education abroad. He believed that 'only happy people are productive', and his actions reflected this philosophy. He ensured equal pay for women, leading to higher positions for them within the company. His granddaughter once asked about his heavy smoking, to which he replied, 'Because I should already be dead, and this life is an extra life.' Despite his harrowing experiences, Blum remained a beacon of hope and progress.
Before his foray into business, Blum served as the mayor of Sarajevo, where he organized the 1984 Winter Olympics. His legacy continues to inspire, with Žbanić's documentary 'Blum' being Bosnia's submission for the 98th Academy Awards.
Emerik Blum's life is a testament to the power of resilience and humanism. From surviving the Holocaust to founding a successful company that prioritized employee well-being, his impact is undeniable. While the search for his successor at Energoinvest continues, his legacy lives on, immortalized in Jasmila Žbanić's documentary and the countless lives he touched.
