- December 17, 2025
- 7:34 am
- Ukraine
Rafal Lemkin – an outstanding Jewish lawyer of Polish origin, author of the term “genocide”.
Lemkin was one of the first to call the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people. He is the first specialist in international law who defined the crimes of the Stalinist communist regime against Ukrainians as genocide and analyzed the genocide in Ukraine in the context of international law.
On December 16, 2025, a significant event took place in Odessa – ceremonial cancellation of a postage stamp in honor of Rafal Lemkin.
The event was organized by the genocide museum “Territory of Memory”, Ukrposhta and the charitable foundation “Memory. Dignity. Freedom”.
Who is Rafal Lemkin?
At the beginning of the 20th century, Lemkin, who studied at Lviv University, became a pioneer in international law against crimes against humanity.
- Year of birth: 1900
- Education: Lviv University, Heidelberg University
- Main work: “Axis Rule in Occupied Europe”, 1944
- The term “genocide”: first introduced in 1944
It is noteworthy that Lemkin was one of the first to call the Holodomor of 1932-1933 in Ukraine an act of genocide against the Ukrainian people.
Lemkin's connection to Ukraine
Lemkin did not just study law in Lvov. His legacy is closely intertwined with the history of Ukraine:
- Holodomor as genocide. In 1953, Lemkin, at a speech in New York, called Stalin’s policies in Ukraine “Soviet genocide” and for the first time gave an international definition to these tragic events.
- Honoring memory. The issue of the stamp in Odessa is not only recognition of Lemkin’s merits, but also a symbol of the unity of the Ukrainian and Jewish peoples in the struggle for memory and justice.
The importance of stamp cancellation for Ukraine and Israel
United Jewish Community of Ukraine emphasized that the issue of a stamp in honor of Lemkin was an important step in perpetuating the memory of Jewish and Ukrainian tragedies of the 20th century.
“The memory of the Holodomor and the Holocaust is not just a historical tribute, it is a reminder of the need to fight any manifestations of genocide in the modern world”noted in the community.
Symbols and details of the brand
The stamp was issued in honor 76th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Prevention of Genocide.
Key elements of the brand:
- Portrait of Rafal Lemkin
- Legal symbolism reflecting his contribution to international law
- Quote from Lemkin about the Holodomor
Release date: December 16, 2025
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lemkin's year of birth | 1900 |
| Introduction of the term “genocide” | 1944 |
| The Holodomor is recognized as genocide | 1953 – Lemkin’s performance |
| The stamp was issued in Odessa | December 16, 2025 |
Why is this important today?
- Recognition of history. The interaction between Ukraine and Israel in preserving the memory of the tragic events of the twentieth century strengthens the dialogue between peoples.
- Symbol of the fight against impunity. Lemkin's legacy is a reminder that crimes against humanity have no statute of limitations.
NAnews – Israel News
Website NAnews – Israel News notes that the stamp cancellation ceremony has become a significant cultural event for both countries. This highlights the shared historical pain and desire for truth.
Ukrainian post and memory of Lemkin
“Ukrposhta” In recent years, he has been actively involved in projects aimed at perpetuating the memory of important historical figures. The release of the Lemkin brand was a continuation of this tradition.
Conclusion
The ceremony of canceling a postage stamp in Odessa in honor of Rafal Lemkin is not just a tribute to memory, but also a symbol of the fight against oblivion. Lemkin, a Jewish human rights activist and friend of the Ukrainian people, became a bridge between the history of Israel and Ukraine.
United Jewish Community of Ukraine and Ukrainian cultural organizations continue the important mission of preserving the memory of the victims of genocides and the Holocaust.
The release of the stamp is a step towards the unity of peoples and a reminder of the value of life, justice and memory.
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