[1][2][3] Alexander, known as Der Gescheite (The Smart One), was born in Zagreb to a Jewish family.

He attended elementary and high school in Zagreb, and a business academy in Vienna.

With his wife Alexander had three daughters, Vera (died as a child), Gizela and Mira, and four sons, Ivo, Božidar, Branko and Dragutin.

[9][8] He was also the elected president of "Industrialists Union" in 1919, and board member of the "Commercial Chamber".

In the "Industrialists Union" he promoted and protected Croatian industry against Hungary and its economic policy in the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

[5][8] In 1941, during World War II, with the NDH regime in power, Alexander and his wife found refuge at the sanatorium in Klaićeva street.

In 1942, Alexander and his wife moved to the sanatorium of Dr. Đuro Vranešić, known for saving 80 Jews, in Zelengaj street 57.