A group of well-known U.S. rabbis is asking Pennsylvania’s Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and state officials to take a closer look at the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention. They believe the institute is misrepresenting the legacy of Raphael Lemkin—the Polish Jewish lawyer who created the term “genocide”—by using his name to accuse Israel of committing genocide.
Joseph Lemkin, Raphael’s nephew and a lawyer from New Jersey, shared his concern about how the institute’s messages are reaching young audiences. He felt compelled to take action when his teenage son asked him about the institute and its ideas on social media.
“I thought it was best to let the institute operate quietly, but when I saw how it was influencing the younger generation, I knew I had to act,” Joseph Lemkin explained.
He further emphasized that the institute’s recent alert, which labeled Israel’s actions as genocide shortly after a violent incident involving Hamas, showcased a troubling agenda. “This was a significant moment for us,” he said. “It became clear that the institute is using this term not to promote human rights but to target Israel.”
Raphael Lemkin, who coined the term “genocide” in 1944, meant for his work to protect all people, particularly the Jewish community, from such atrocities. His family argues that using his name to label Israel undermines his life’s mission.
In response to the institute’s activities, several rabbis, including Rabbi Marvin Hier of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, have urged state officials to investigate whether the institute misuses Lemkin’s name regarding public perception. Other rabbis have echoed similar concerns, stating that labeling Israel as genocidal twists historical facts and contributes to rising antisemitism.
Joseph Lemkin stated, “It is crucial for religious and moral leaders to defend the truth, especially when respected figures like Raphael are misrepresented.”
The alarming growth of antisemitism in the U.S. is a concern for many in the Jewish community, with evidence showing that accusations against Israel often coincide with a rise in antisemitic incidents. He remarks that using the term “genocide” against Israel does not foster peace or justice but rather perpetuates harmful stereotypes against Jewish people.
“As we see public discourse shift, including from elected officials, it’s clear these discussions have significant implications,” Joseph Lemkin noted. He confirmed that while criticism of Israeli policy is acceptable, denying Israel’s right to exist is a direct threat to the safety of Jewish communities.
In closing, he expressed sadness at the thought of his uncle’s legacy being misused. “To truly honor Raphael’s memory, we must uphold the moral integrity he fought for and challenge narratives that twist his intentions,” he said.
The Lemkin Institute was contacted for comment but did not respond.
