[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 54 (Tuesday, April 20, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THE PASSING OF ISADORE KARTEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 20, 1999

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is my sad duty to inform my colleagues of 
the passing of a remarkable American, one I was honored to have as a 
close friend.
  As a youth, Izzy Karten was a freedom fighter in the forests near 
Lvov, in his beloved homeland of Poland. The brave stance the Jews and 
other oppressed minorities in Poland had taken against their Nazi 
oppressors, while the Red Army watched nearby, refusing to help, is one 
of the most heroic yet tragic episodes of the 20th Century. I am proud 
to have known and been a friend of one of these courageous heroes, Izzy 
Karten.
  Izzy spent two years in the forests of Poland, fighting the Nazi 
oppressors. It was there that he met another freedom fighter, a young 
girl named Julie, who soon became his beloved wife of over 54 years.
  Upon emigrating to America, Izzy Karten started what became a highly 
successful export-import business and subsequently became a banker. 
Despite his phenomental success in business, Izzy never forgot his 
roots or his desire to help others. He was involved in a host of 
philanthropic activities, including Yad Vashen, the national 
organization of Holocaust Survivors. He was a trustee at the Park East 
Synagogue, and was especially generous in endowing its day school.
  Julie and Izzy were the proud parents of three children: Marsha 
Toledano, Bernice Bookhammer, and Harry Karten. Izzy and Julie's three 
children presented them with seven grandchildren who were the light of 
their lives.
  Georgia and I always cherished being with the Kartens, and their 
family. Our lives were deeply enriched by our friendship with Izzy and 
Julie. Sadly, I was with Izzy at a Holocaust Memorial Service in 
Rockland County just a few hours prior to his sudden death.
  I will always remember Izzy Karten as a warm hearted, philanthropic 
humanitarian, with a bright view for the future, and a champion in the 
battle against bigotry and for human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, the funeral for Isadore Karten will be held at his 
beloved Park East Synagogue on Wednesday of this week. I invite my 
colleagues to join me in paying homage to a truly remarkable human 
being, who will be sorely missed.

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