Rep. Frank Hornstein’s 2023 transportation bill marked a significant achievement in his 11-term career representing Minneapolis. His retirement, slated for early next year, carries a bittersweet weight. Earlier this year, the arrival of his first grandchild brought him to tears. “It’s this new life. This new generation,” he marveled. This joy, however, is deeply interwoven with the profound tragedy of his family history. The phrase “la dor va dor,” or “from generation to generation,” resonated deeply, a testament to the enduring human spirit amidst unimaginable loss.
All four of Hornstein’s grandparents and five uncles and aunts perished in the Holocaust. His mother, Lusia, survived by using forged papers, denying her Jewish identity, and hiding in what Hornstein describes as “Anne Frank style.” A Nazi officer once let her go, remarking that he “could smell a Jew a mile away,” highlighting the ever-present threat she faced. Lusia’s experiences, meticulously documented in an oral history Hornstein created during his undergraduate years at Macalester College, reveal her remarkable resilience. She joined the Polish resistance and fought in the Warsaw sewers. His father, Stephen, escaped a Hungarian forced labor camp under improbable circumstances, ultimately meeting Lusia on a train in post-war Germany.
Their resilience formed the foundation for Hornstein’s life. A pivotal moment arrived in Cincinnati during his fifth-grade year: Hearing about the first Earth Day on the radio ignited a lifelong commitment to community organizing, advocating for peace and justice, both in the United States and in Israel, where he maintains close family ties and has witnessed firsthand the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Currently, the situation in both Israel and the United States is deeply troubling. Yet, Hornstein’s spirit remains remarkably buoyant. His infectious smile and unwavering dedication to “tikkun olam”—repairing the world—are a beacon of hope amidst the prevailing darkness. Ironically, as he departs the Minnesota Legislature, his presence is arguably more crucial than ever. The anticipated 67-67 deadlock in the House underscores the increasing polarization and the rise of partisan infighting over effective governance. His integrity and commitment are highly regarded across the political spectrum. Former GOP Rep. Pat Garofalo aptly described him as the “wealthiest man at the Capitol” if credibility and sincerity were currency. Rep. Mohamud Noor, DFL-Minneapolis, simply called him “a legend,” praising his role in bridging divides within the DFL coalition following the Hamas attacks on Israel.
Hornstein’s commitment to peace and justice stems from deep personal experience. His travels to Israel since 1982, during which he joined peace protests and connected with organizations like Standing Together, fostering collaboration between Israelis and Palestinians, demonstrate a persistent pursuit of reconciliation. Even as his cousins in Israel experience the realities of conflict firsthand—from forced displacement to the constant threat of air raids—he perseveres.
The recent surge in antisemitic and anti-Muslim attacks in the United States, culminating in a swastika being spray-painted on his own synagogue, Temple Israel, only underscores the urgency of his commitment. With a looming presidential election bringing the prospect of mass deportation and escalating hate speech, the question of “why bother?” is understandably raised.
Hornstein’s response lies in the legacy of his ancestors, a legacy marked by unspeakable tragedy but ultimately redeemed by the enduring human spirit. He cites the Talmudic text “Pirkei Avot”: “It is not your responsibility to finish the work, but you are not free to desist from it either.” He finds inspiration in Barack Obama’s 2009 inaugural address: “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.” His legislative achievements, such as the landmark transportation bill of 2023, along with the joys of his family life, fuel his ongoing activism. He plans to continue fighting for causes dear to him, including transportation, climate change, and combating hate crimes and hate speech, particularly protecting vulnerable immigrant and transgender communities. He echoes the words of Exodus: “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” His work, born of tragedy and fueled by hope, serves as a powerful testament to the enduring power of human connection and the unwavering pursuit of justice.