Descendants of Genocide Convention Architect Protest Misuse of His Legacy Against Israel

Their attorneys cite possible violations, including unauthorized use of a personal name, false endorsement, and cybersquatting, stressing that no consent was ever given for the Institute to adopt it.

By Shula Rosen

Relatives of Raphael Lemkin, the Jewish jurist who introduced the term “genocide” and helped shape the UN convention against it, have lodged a complaint in Pennsylvania against a nonprofit they say has misappropriated his name to attack Israel.

The family, joined by the European Jewish Association, submitted a letter to Governor Josh Shapiro and the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations.

They contend that the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention, operating since 2021, falsely presents itself as a continuation of Lemkin’s ideas.

Their attorneys cite possible violations, including unauthorized use of a personal name, false endorsement, and cybersquatting, stressing that no consent was ever given for the Institute to adopt it.

Family members say they first appealed privately for a voluntary name change. Joseph Lemkin, speaking on their behalf, told The Algemeiner that the relatives are prepared to take the matter to court if necessary. “We are determined to stop this misuse,” he said.

The dispute gained urgency after the Institute repeatedly accused Israel of committing genocide. In reports and statements issued after Hamas’s October 7 massacre, it alleged that Israel engaged in mass killing, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and an “illegal siege” of Gaza. More recently, it welcomed a UN inquiry report leveling similar charges.

The Institute has also accused Israel of “terrorism” against Hezbollah, portrayed Hamas as a product of colonialism, and criticized the United States as complicit.

Scholars and Jewish leaders counter that such language distorts the concept Lemkin created to describe the annihilation of European Jewry during the Holocaust.

They argue that applying his name to claims against Israel undermines both historical truth and his legacy.

In response, Institute director Elisa von Joeden-Forgey said the name was chosen to “bring his name back into public discourse.” She said that the organization had asked for clarification on the legal basis of the complaint.

Family representatives insist their goal is not to block criticism of Israeli policies but to prevent misuse of Lemkin’s legacy. Pennsylvania officials are now reviewing the filing, which marks the family’s first formal action to protect the jurist’s name.