[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 11 (Tuesday, February 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          TRIBUTE TO IRMI BLUM

                                 ______


                            HON. JERRY LEWIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 1994

  Mr. LEWIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to your 
attention the fine work and outstanding public service of my dear 
friend, Irmi Blum of San Bernardino, CA. Irmi was recently honored by 
the Arrowhead Chapter of Hadassah for her commitment and countless 
hours of community service on behalf of so many people in southern 
California.
  The story of Irmi and her late husband, Hugo, is among the most 
touching and inspiring I know. Escaping Nazi Germany and fleeing to 
London in the early 1940's, together they came to California in the 
late 1940's. They opened a jewelry store in San Bernardino in 1948 
which they ran successfully until their retirement. To say the least, 
their lives are a testimony to faith and hope. Over the years they 
never wavered in the face of adversity and together they embraced the 
American Dream.
  Over the years, Irmi has been involved in a myriad of community 
activities and has been outspoken in her concerns over community and 
national matters. Though working full time with Hugo, Irmi made time to 
contribute her talents and energy to a number of civic organizations. 
She has served on numerous boards including Hadassah, Congregation 
Emanu El Sisterhood, the San Bernardino Community Concert Association, 
and was the first woman elected to serve as president of the California 
Jewelers Association. In addition, she was instrumental in establishing 
the San Bernardino Chapter of the City of Hope and the San Bernardino 
Herzilya Sister City Committee, serving each as its first president. 
She has also been a member of the San Bernardino Downtown Association 
and the San Bernardino Redevelopment Agency.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join me, our colleagues, Irmi's daughter, 
Sonia, and our many friends in San Bernardino in wishing Irmi our 
congratulations for this deserved recognition. In her many years of 
devoted service, Irmi Blum has touched the lives of many people in our 
community and it is only fitting that the House recognize her today.

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