[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE 89TH BIRTHDAY OF MRS. MARTHA YUSEM

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN H. ADLER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. 
Martha Yusem of Cherry Hill, NJ on the occasion of her 89th birthday.
  Mrs. Yusem has long been admired by her community. She was was born 
April 5, 1921 in Vienna, Austria. Martha and her family lived through 
Krystal Nacht on November 10th, 1938. While many in her community were 
sent to the Dachau concentration camp, her family was able to remain 
hidden and protected. On February 16, 1939, at the age of 17, she 
emigrated on to the United States aboard the Aquatania. The day after 
the ship departed for New York, the borders closed and war broke out in 
Europe. This would also be the very last voyage of the Aquatania as it 
was torpedoed and sunk by the Germans on its return to Europe.
  In America, Martha quickly picked up the English language and went on 
to attend Temple University. She proudly became an American citizen in 
1944 and married an American psychologist and WWII veteran, David 
Yusem, in December, 1952. Together, they raised two sons, Paul and 
Joseph. Martha has worked as a tax preparer, a real estate salesperson 
and most notably, a senior bank teller.
  In 1997, she moved to Cherry Hill, NJ where she lives today. Martha 
has, on more than one occasion, spoken to groups about her experiences 
in Nazi-occupied Europe. In addition to an active social life, Martha 
remains very involved in politics. Martha Yusem's story is one of great 
courage and determination. Our country is proud to have such a 
remarkable woman. I hope that my colleagues will join me in wishing 
Mrs. Martha Yusem a very Happy 89th Birthday.

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