## The Legacy of Frank Hornstein: A Life of Service in the Face of History
Representative Frank Hornstein’s tears weren’t solely tears of joy when he held his first grandchild earlier this year. They were a confluence of emotions, a poignant blend of overwhelming happiness and the weight of a profound family history. “It’s this new life. This new generation,” he reflected, a sentiment echoing the Hebrew phrase “la dor va dor,” meaning “from generation to generation”— a legacy he acknowledged in his May retirement speech after eleven terms representing Minneapolis. His impending departure from office early next year marks the end of an era.
Hornstein’s joy for baby Lusia is interwoven with the tapestry of his family’s past, a past marked by immense tragedy and resilience. All four of his grandparents and five aunts and uncles perished in the Holocaust. His mother, also named Lusia, survived by using forged documents, denying her Jewish identity, and hiding “Anne Frank style” in occupied Ukraine. She even recounted an encounter with a Nazi who let her pass, declaring, “I could smell a Jew a mile away,” revealing the ever-present danger she faced. Lusia’s bravery extended to fighting with the Polish secular resistance, engaging in the perilous struggle against the Nazis in the Warsaw sewers. His father, Stephen, escaped a Hungarian forced labor camp through a stroke of improbable luck. Their paths converged post-war, on a train in Germany.
From this harrowing history emerged a life dedicated to community and justice. At age 11, after hearing about the first Earth Day on the radio, young Frank Hornstein embarked on his journey of activism, choosing to walk home from school and pick up litter rather than accepting a ride. This simple act marked the beginning of a decades-long career as a community organizer, advocating for peace and justice both domestically and internationally, including numerous trips to Israel where he has family and where he’s witnessed firsthand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Currently, Hornstein finds the political climate in both Israel and the United States deeply troubling. Yet, his demeanor remains remarkably uplifting. His infectious smile, radiating warmth and optimism, belies his deep concern, as he tirelessly urges his fellow citizens to embrace “tikkun olam”— repairing the world through actions and relationships. Ironically, as he leaves the Minnesota Legislature, his presence is arguably needed more than ever.
The Minnesota House is poised for a 67-67 deadlock next year, with both parties increasingly dominated by partisan figures more focused on social media than governance. Even former Republican Representative Pat Garofalo acknowledged Hornstein’s unique standing, stating, “If credibility and sincerity were currency, then Frank Hornstein would be the wealthiest man at the Capitol.” DFL Representative Mohamud Noor, highlighting Hornstein’s ability to foster respectful dialogue between Jewish and Muslim colleagues amidst the recent conflict in Israel, simply called him “a legend.”
Hornstein’s commitment to peace and understanding is deeply rooted in his experiences. His 1982 trip to Israel during a war with Lebanon and the Sabra and Shatila massacre, and his subsequent visits and involvement with organizations like Standing Together, bridging the gap between Israelis and Palestinians, exemplify his tireless work for peace and justice. The ongoing conflict, coupled with escalating antisemitic and anti-Muslim attacks in the U.S., presents daunting challenges for Hornstein. Yet, even a recent antisemitic attack on his own synagogue, Temple Israel, where his wife is the senior rabbi, doesn’t diminish his resolve.
The question, “Why bother?” in the face of such adversity is valid. Hornstein’s answer lies in the enduring connection to his family history, a past both tragically scarred and ultimately redeemed by the constant striving for meaning through connection and hope. He draws strength from the ancient Talmudic text, “Pirkei Avot,” which states, “It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but you are not free to desist from it either.” This, he believes, should resonate profoundly today. The work continues, not for the promise of a final victory, but because it *must* be done.
While the political landscape seems bleak, Hornstein’s life is filled with victories, both personal and professional. His 2023 “transportation bill of my dreams,” his family life, and the arrival of his granddaughter— all contribute to a rich, meaningful life. His future plans include continued activism, focusing on issues of transportation, climate change, and combatting hate crimes, particularly the vulnerability felt by immigrant and transgender communities. He concludes with a message from Exodus: “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” A fitting testament to a life lived in service, informed by the past, and dedicated to a brighter future.
(By J. Patrick Coolican, Minnesota Reformer, December 20, 2024)