Senator Bernie Sanders has not attended any meetings of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s governing board during his nearly 18 years of service, according to recent reports. This information, highlighted by the New York Post, raises questions about his engagement with the council.
Background on the Holocaust Memorial Council
Senator Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats, was appointed to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council in 2007. The council is tasked with overseeing the museum’s mission, programming, and commemorations, meeting twice a year. Despite being part of the council for nearly two decades, Sanders’s absence from all meetings has become a point of concern among his peers.
Impact of Attendance on Council Functionality
Attendance records, as reviewed by fellow board members, indicate that Sanders has missed every meeting since he joined the council. This long-term absence has prompted a bipartisan initiative among some council members to advocate for his replacement. They cite the concerning rise of antisemitism and the increasing scrutiny on Holocaust education as reasons for this push.
According to some board members, regular participation is critical for fulfilling the council’s responsibilities and promoting its mission effectively. A letter penned by multiple council members has been sent to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, urging that Sanders be replaced by another Senate-appointed representative who is willing to actively participate in council activities.
Concerns Over Sanders’s Engagement
The Holocaust Memorial Council, established by Congress in 1980, includes both presidential appointees and members nominated by congressional leaders. While attendance at meetings is not mandated by law, council members have expressed that a continuous lack of participation undermines the governance of the institution.
Critics of Sanders have pointed out that, in addition to his absence, his outspoken criticism of Israeli government policies is at odds with the museum’s mission to combat antisemitism and distortion of Holocaust history. This criticism has further fueled calls for active engagement in the council’s work.
As of the latest updates, Sanders’s office has not provided comments regarding the situation, and Schumer’s office has also refrained from discussing prospects for a potential replacement. While other senators serving on the council have missed meetings, none have done so as consistently or for as long as Sanders. Additionally, one Senate-designated seat on the council remains unfilled.
The U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, located near the National Mall, stands as a leading institution dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations. The ongoing discussions about council engagement highlight the importance of commitment among its members to uphold the council’s mission.