[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 59 (Friday, April 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                          HONORING IRENE GARAS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 26, 2013

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Irene Garas and in 
recognition of her centennial birthday on April 29, 2013.
  Irene Garas is a truly remarkable woman. As a Holocaust survivor, she 
has been a courageous example of perseverance and tenacity. During 
World War II, Irene, her daughter, Kathy, and her sister, Margaret, all 
avoided capture when the Nazis occupied Hungary. Irene escaped the 
deportation of virtually all Jewish residents in her community by 
hiding in an armoire in her apartment complex, ultimately obtaining 
forged papers identifying her with an alternate surname. She secured 
papers not only for herself, but also for Kathy and Margaret, helping 
them to avoid capture as well. Irene's first husband, Louis, was also 
incredibly daring, escaping from a labor camp to avoid deportation to 
another camp outside of Hungary in 1945.
  After World War II, Irene's brother, who already lived in the United 
States, obtained visas that allowed a number of family members and 
friends to immigrate. Irene and seven other family members and friends 
left for America on the SS Washington from England, and arrived in New 
York City in March 1948. Before World War II, Irene was a well-
respected corsetiere in her Hungarian hometown. When she arrived in the 
United States, she used her business skills and leadership abilities to 
open her own store in New York City--helping her to live the American 
dream.
  Irene is cherished by her two children, Kathy and Andrew, her 
grandchildren--Gary, Michael, Julie, Lisa and Ira--and her five great-
grandchildren: Chase, Alexa, Cydney, Zoe and Owen.
  Like so many immigrants throughout our history, Irene fled from 
incredible danger and hardship to seek out liberties that many of us 
take for granted: the freedom to be herself and the ability to shape 
her own future. She is a role model for her community, and as a fellow 
New Yorker, it is an honor to acknowledge her during this momentous 
milestone in her life.
  Mr. Speaker, I join with her family, friends, and neighbors in 
celebrating Irene Garas for her bravery, accomplishments and 
contributions to our community. I wish her many more joyous years.

                          ____________________