Homeless Brothers in Budapest Inherit $7 Billion: Zsolt and Geza Peladi

Zsolt and Geza Peladi live in a cave outside Budapest, They scrounge for junk to repair and sell. Until a few days ago, that is. In a breath-taking rags to riches story the brothers just learned that they are heir to their grandmother's $7 billion dollar estate. Raised in a life of poverty, the two brothers have become modern day 'Cinderella Men'.

According to Geza Peladi, the brothers were aware that they had a wealthy grandmother, but that early in their life, the Peladi's mother estranged herself from her family. Later their mother abandoned the children (there is one sister, living in America). The mother then passed away some time after. The two brothers have lived alone, with only each other for support, struggling to survive as best they can. But a fairy godmother in the form of the grandmother's lawyer researched the grandmother's family (whose name is being withheld to protect the Peladis from fraudulent claims of would-be inheritors). The lawyer then informed informed charity workers who had the honor of sharing the good news with Geza and Zsolt. The grandmother lived in Baden-Wurttemburg Germany and under German probate law direct descendants are automatically entitled to a portion of the estate. With the mother deceased, the bulk of the fortune is to be divided between the Peladis.

In what is a very moving interview to read and must have been even more endearing to hear in person, Geza Peladi describes his feelings about their newfound wealth. I take this quote from Maztav.com, a Jewish online newspaper, but the quote has been printed in countless publications.

"If this all works out it will certainly make up for the life we have had until now - all we really had was each other - no women would look at us living in a cave. But with money, maybe we can find a partner and finally have a normal life. We don't know yet if she even told our grandmother about us. I understand it was only while they were carrying out genealogical research that lawyers found we existed." The brothers are seeking their mother's death certificate to completely seal the case.

Just like the Marquis of Carabas and his puss in boots, Geza and Zsolt are indeed the world's most eligible bachelors. After a life of deprivation, struggle and abandonment seven billion dollars must seem like an unthinkable sum. This author fervently hopes that Zsolt and Geza find the nice girls they deserve and not because they are wildly rich. Hopefully, there will also be interested, compassionate people to guide the Peladi's in managing their new-found wealth. Call me naive and romantic, but somehow I think that is just what is going to happen. Congratulations, Zsolt and Geza Peladi.