Lemkin Family Raises Concerns Over Misuse of Raphael Lemkin’s Legacy in Accusations Against Israel

Lemkin Family Raises Concerns Over Misuse of Raphael Lemkin’s Legacy in Accusations Against Israel

A coalition of prominent U.S. rabbis is calling for Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and state officials to investigate the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention. The group argues that the institute distorts the legacy of Raphael Lemkin, the Polish Jewish jurist who coined the term genocide, by using his name to accuse Israel of committing genocide.

Joseph Lemkin, a New Jersey attorney and the nephew of Raphael Lemkin, expressed that the family took action reluctantly but felt compelled to respond after observing the institute’s materials reaching impressionable younger audiences.

He stated, “A combination of factors led us to take formal steps against the Lemkin Institute. I initially thought it better to allow the institute to remain anonymous, despite my concerns. However, when my teenage son asked about the institute and its claims on social media, I realized the potential impact on future generations was too significant to ignore.”

Through engagement with Rabbi Menachem Margolin of the European Jewish Association, the family further recognized the broader implications of the institute’s positioning. Joseph mentioned, “When we connected with Rabbi Margolin, it became evident that our concerns were not isolated and warranted a more formal response.”

Raphael Lemkin coined the term genocide in 1944, motivated by the horrors he witnessed during the Holocaust. His efforts significantly contributed to the establishment of the 1948 U.N. Genocide Convention. The Lemkin family firmly believes that his name should not serve to label the Jewish state as genocidal, asserting that such a claim distorts his life’s achievements.

Lemkin Institute’s Disturbing Accusation

The family’s complaint urges Pennsylvania officials to scrutinize the nonprofit’s use of Lemkin’s name in its public messaging. Notably, the institute’s recent October 13, 2023, alert labeled Israel as engaging in genocide soon after Hamas’ brutal attack on October 7.

Joseph Lemkin described the timing of this alert as a pivotal moment. He remarked, “The active genocide alert raised profound concerns for us. It became clear that the Lemkin Institute has an agenda that undermines human rights and seems pointedly anti-Israel. The timing of the alert, issued just days after the horrific attacks on Israelis, suggests a troubling bias that is disconnected from genuine concerns about human rights and safety for all. This undoubtedly contributes to the rise of antisemitism.”

The Rabbinic Response

In recent weeks, numerous letters from notable rabbis have been sent to state officials, echoing the Lemkin family’s fears. Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, called upon the state to reassess how the Lemkin Institute’s actions could misrepresent Raphael Lemkin’s historical mission. Rabbi Aryeh Ralbag, chief justice of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada, also criticized the labeling of Israel as genocidal, describing it as a misrepresentation of historical facts.

Other rabbis, including Yitzchak Lasry and Tal Peretz, have joined the growing chorus of voices concerned about the institute’s activities and their potential consequences. Joseph Lemkin emphasized the importance of this rabbinic response, stating, “It’s crucial that religious and moral leaders defend historical truth when an organization undermines the legacy of someone as revered as Raphael Lemkin. Misusing his name constitutes a form of false witness, which contradicts the principles of Jewish law and ethics.”

Connecting Rhetoric to Real-World Antisemitism

As discussions evolve, the Anti-Defamation League has reported an alarming increase in antisemitic incidents across the U.S. The Lemkin family, along with rabbinic voices, argues that branding Israel as genocidal under Lemkin’s name not only distorts history but also fuels real-world antisemitism.

Joseph Lemkin remarked, “There is a clear correlation between allegations of genocide against Israel and a rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. Using this terminology only serves to perpetuate this damaging narrative. Such rhetoric does not promote peace or justice but instead resurrects patterns of ancient prejudices against the Jewish people.”

He further criticized the inconsistency of applying the term genocide to Israel while ignoring ongoing atrocities in regions such as Darfur and Syria, claiming it undermines the credibility of human rights advocates and exposes their underlying motivations.

Rising Anti-Zionist Sentiment

Joseph Lemkin voiced his concerns regarding the increasing normalization of antisemitic and anti-Zionist rhetoric in contemporary discourse. He acknowledged, “This political moment is particularly alarming. What used to exist at the fringes is now mainstream, with some elected officials echoing extreme sentiments at rallies and legislative sessions.”

While he welcomes critical perspectives on Israeli policies, he firmly opposes any efforts that aim to delegitimize Israel’s existence. He stated, “Condemning Zionism equates to denying Jewish peoplehood and normalizes antisemitic prejudices, putting Jewish communities at greater risk.”

Reflections on Raphael Lemkin’s Legacy

When asked how his uncle might respond to these contemporary issues, Joseph Lemkin expressed, “I believe he would feel immense sorrow seeing how his legacy is being misrepresented. He dedicated his life to protecting all individuals and understood the importance of a secure and self-determined Jewish existence.”

He concluded by asserting, “Honoring Raphael’s memory means staying true to his moral clarity by acknowledging genuine injustices while rejecting rhetoric that distorts his legacy and directs hate toward those he aimed to protect.”

Fox News Digital reached out to the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention for comments but received no response.