A family member of Raphael Lemkin, a Jewish lawyer known for escaping Europe during World War II and for creating the term “genocide,” is working to have his name removed from a Pennsylvania nonprofit organization that accuses Israel of committing genocide.
The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention and Human Security has claimed that genocide is happening in Gaza, especially after the attacks by Hamas, which resulted in significant casualties and hostages. Since October 13, 2023, the institute has sounded the alarm about the situation in Gaza, stating that both the United States and Israel are responsible for enabling what they consider acts of genocide.
On October 28, 2023, the institute shared a public statement mourning the loss of life in Gaza, alleging that the U.S. and Israel are committing genocide there while also referencing another group, the Armenians of Artsakh, who they claim have faced similar treatment.
Joseph Lemkin, a relative of Raphael, whose family perished during the Holocaust, is at the center of this issue. He expressed his concern after seeing a social media post from the Lemkin Institute using the family name to make serious accusations against Israel. The post deeply troubled him, especially as a son of a Holocaust survivor.
Joseph shared how his father used to honor family members who died in the Holocaust at community gatherings and worked hard to help others even towards the end of his life. He is determined to ensure that the legacy of Raphael Lemkin, who advocated for the prevention of genocide, is not tarnished by the institute’s claims.
Joseph Lemkin has reached out to the European Jewish Association to help him lodge complaints with Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and the state’s Department of State. He believes an investigation into the institute has started but noted that the Department of State has not confirmed this publicly.
In response, the Lemkin Institute issued statements defending their stance, noting that not all family members agree with Joseph’s view and that they support their work of highlighting humanitarian issues globally. They emphasized that Raphael Lemkin’s legacy is important to their mission, despite Joseph’s discontent.
The institute further stated that they were founded out of a necessity to address gaps in genocide prevention, and they are dedicated to protecting vulnerable populations around the world. They believe their work sheds light on ongoing issues of genocide, including systemic antisemitism that Jewish communities face.
Prominent voices have emerged in response to the debate around the term “genocide.” Historian Sir Simon Schama recently described accusations against Israel as unjust and concerning. Meanwhile, the Lemkin Institute has continued to publish reports about the Gaza conflict, accusing Israel of severe human rights violations while calling for accountability from Western leaders who support them.
This evolving situation has raised numerous questions about the use of notable names and legacies, the complex nature of activism, and how history continues to resonate in today’s social and political landscape.
