Concerns Over the Lemkin Institute

A group of influential rabbis in the U.S. is urging Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro and state officials to reform the Lemkin Institute for the Prevention of Genocide. They argue this institute misrepresents the legacy of Rafael Lemkin, the Polish Jewish scholar who introduced the term “genocide.” The concern is that the institute is using his name to criticize Israel, which they find problematic.

Joseph Lemkin, a lawyer from New Jersey and Rafael Lemkin’s nephew, shared that the family felt it necessary to take action after observing how the institute’s messages were influencing younger audiences. “We initially thought it best to keep the Lemkin Institute under the radar,” he explained. “However, when my son, who was 16 at the time, asked me about their claims on social media, I realized we had to address this.”

He continued, “I had to let everyone know that our family does not support the Lemkin Institute. After speaking with Rabbi Margolin from the European Jewish Association, it became evident that this concern was widespread and needed a formal response.”

Rafael Lemkin, who coined “genocide” in 1944 after witnessing the devastation faced by Europe’s Jews, also helped in formulating the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. His family asserts that his name should not be associated with labeling Israel as engaging in genocide, as they feel this undermines his life’s mission.

The family has formally requested Pennsylvania authorities to investigate how the nonprofit employs Lemkin’s name in their communications, particularly concerning a recent “active genocide alert” regarding Israel, issued shortly after Hamas’s massacre on October 7, 2023.

Joseph noted that the timing of such an alert heightened their alarm. “This alert came just days after horrific acts against Israelis,” he remarked. “It clarifies their lack of genuine concern for human rights, especially regarding Jewish safety. Whether or not the Institute sees its stance as being anti-Semitic, its actions clearly incite anti-Semitism.”

Following this, a series of letters from well-known rabbis to state officials echo the Lemkin family’s concerns. Rabbi Marvin Heyer, the founder of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, has urged a review of whether the institute’s use of “Lemkin” misleads the public. Rabbi Arieh Ralbag, chief justice of the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the U.S. and Canada, commented that labeling Israel as committing genocide distorts historical facts. Other rabbis, including Yitzchak Lasry and Tal Peretz, voiced similar grievances.

Joseph reflected on the importance of this issue, stating, “Rabbis must uphold the truth. When organizations misuse Raphael’s name, it can feel like a betrayal of his legacy, which is against Jewish ethics.”

As the Anti-Defamation League reports a rise in anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S., the Lemkin family believes that these misleading labels about Israel not only misrepresent history but also escalate real-world anti-Semitism. Joseph pointed out the correlation between rising accusations of genocide against Israel and increased anti-Semitic events.

“Using the term ‘genocide’ against Israel isn’t constructive. It just perpetuates old patterns of anti-Semitism,” he noted. “It undermines the significant language intended to prevent atrocities like the Holocaust.”

Joseph added that he was worried about how anti-Zionist sentiments are becoming more mainstream. He believes that dismissing Israel’s right to exist denies Jewish people their identity and can normalize prejudice, which puts the Jewish community at risk. He welcomes critique of Israeli policies but cannot tolerate delegitimizing Israel’s existence.

“If my uncle were here, I believe he would be deeply troubled by how his name is being used to manipulate his intentions. His goal was to protect all people, particularly ensuring Jews had a safe environment and self-determination,” Joseph reflected.

To honor Rafael’s legacy, he suggests sticking to a moral path by condemning genuine injustices and rejecting hate rhetoric that misrepresents his contributions.

Attempts to get a comment from the Lemkin Institute for the Prevention of Genocide were not successful.