Mathias Attends First Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission Meeting

Seeking to increase awareness and educate future generations about the deplorable occurrences of genocide, State Rep. Sid Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) was named to serve on the Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission as one of the panel’s House representatives.

The Commission held its first meeting on June 6 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center in Skokie. The Commission is composed of 15 members, including elected officials, community leaders, experts on the Holocaust or genocide education, genocide victims and others with a significant interest in the matter. In addition, there are three ex officio members including the state superintendent, the executive director of the Board of Higher Education and the director of veterans’ affairs.

“As the son of a Holocaust survivor, this initiative is very near to my heart,” Mathias said in a statement. “We will have a positive impact on our state’s understanding and educational perspective towards the atrocities that have occurred and still happen around the world today.”

According to Mathias, The Illinois Holocaust and Genocide Commission will work with survivors, concentration camp liberators, scholars and religious leaders willing to share knowledge with individuals to increase awareness and promote tolerance through events, outreach and educational materials. The Commission’s first meeting outlined goals and allowed each member to talk about their background and reason for participation in the newly formed Commission.

House Minority Leader Tom Cross who appointed Mathias to the Commission added, “Sid helped spearhead the formation of the commission and because of his extensive knowledge on the topic will make an excellent member to the panel.”

The legislation that authorized the formation of this Commission was co-sponsored by Mathias, passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and took effect on Jan. 1. All members will serve four-year terms and are unpaid.

— Submitted by the Office of Sid Mathias