Holocaust survivor offers powerful testimony at capitol

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99-year-old Holocaust survivor offers powerful testimony at Minnesota capitol

A bill to standardize Holocaust education in Minnesota is currently making its way through committees at the state capitol. On Wednesday, it had a vigorous supporter in Dora Zaidenweber, a 99-year-old Holocaust survivor.

When the Nazis set out to murder millions of Jews during World War II, Zaidenweber was one of just a few people in her family to survive the massacre; escaping to America in 1950.

In front of the House Education Policy committee, the 99-year-old pleaded with lawmakers to approve the Holocaust and Genocide Education Bill; a bill that would require Minnesota middle and high schools to educate students about the Holocaust and indigenous genocides.

Jewish Wayzata high school student Max Walstien also spoke out on the dangers of downplaying or denying our world’s history.

Around the table, all committee members agreed, sending the bill ahead to the Education Finance Committee in a unanimous vote. If eventually signed into law, the bill would make Minnesota the 23rd state to require some form of Holocaust or genocide education.

Catch Up Quick 

💰 The son of Daunte Wright, the man shot and killed in 2021 by a Brooklyn Center police officer, is set to receive the lion’s share of a multi-million dollar settlement from the City of Brooklyn Center as a judge slashed attorneys fees as part of her order issued Wednesday. The city and Daunte Wright’s family reached the $3.25 million agreement last June.

🏛️ The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) alleges an investigation uncovered Tony Downs Foods Company hired children to work hazardous jobs at a meat processing facility in southern Minnesota. The lawsuit filed in court on Wednesday alleges investigators found at least 8 minors who are currently working at the meat processing facility in Madelina. The children ranged in age from 14 to 17 years old.

🏈 Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said on The Pat McAfee Show Wednesday that it is his “intention” to play for the New York Jets.

Chisago County triple homicide victims helped veterans, beloved by community

Chisago County investigators are still trying to figure out why a relative shot and killed a recently retired couple and their son in their Fish Lake home last week.

Darrell, Denise, and Kirk Mattson were very active members of the VFW community in Isanti where they worked hard to make an impact, especially by improving the lives of veterans and their families.

The flag is at half-staff outside VFW Post 2735 in honor of the Mattsons — Darrell, Denise, and Kirk.

Denise served as the president of the auxiliary and managers can’t bring themselves to take down her name from their list of officers.

Darrell was a Vietnam War veteran and drove Denise everywhere, including to her job at a mental health unit.

Kirk Mattson was a proud Boilermakers union member who also helped at the VFW and loved Minnesota Wild hockey.

Chisago County investigators say a 39-year-old relative died by suicide after killing the Mattsons and they’ve forensically linked the gun he used in both shootings.

Friends and family members are planning a celebration of life for the Mattsons on April 14.

A family friend also set up a GoFundMe page to help cover family expenses, including three unexpected funerals.

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