- December 21, 2024
- 9:46 pm
- Ukraine
On December 19, 2024, it became known that in Lviv (Ukraine) Malinova street was planned to be renamed in honor of Rafael Lemkina Polish-American lawyer of Jewish descent.
This initiative is aimed at perpetuating the memory of Lemkin, who studied and lived in this city.
Raphael (Rafal) Lemkin (1900–1959) was a lawyer, legal scholar, and social activist whose work forever changed international law.
Facts about Lemkin:
- Born into a Polish Jewish family.
- He studied at Lviv University, where he laid the foundations of his concept.
- Created the term “genocide” in 1944, combining the Greek word genos (genus) and the Latin cide (murder).
- Participated in the development UN Convention on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide (1948).
Rafael Lemkin and recognition of the Holodomor as genocide
Raphael Lemkin, the author of the term “genocide,” was one of the first international experts to publicly characterize the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people. In a 1953 speech, he described Soviet policy in Ukraine as a deliberate and systematic attempt to destroy the Ukrainians through the destruction of their culture, language, religion and society.
Lemkin emphasized that the man-made famine of 1932–1933 was part of a broader campaign to destroy Ukraine's national identity. His analysis became an important contribution to the international recognition of the Holodomor as a crime against humanity.
Quote from Raphael Lemkin:
“Genocide is not only the killing of people, but also the destruction of their culture, language, traditions.”
Why Lviv?
In Lvov, Lemkin not only studied, but also began to develop his key legal principles. Malinova Street, which connects Zamarstinovskaya and Tsyganovka, is located not far from the places where he lived.
The renaming initiative comes from the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, whose idea is actively supported by the Lviv City Hall.
Historical connection between Ukraine and Israel
The memory of Raphael Lemkin unites two peoples for whom the issues of genocide and the preservation of history are important. The Jewish and Ukrainian peoples experienced terrible tragedies: Holocaust and Holodomor.
On the website NAnews – Israel News We have repeatedly raised the topic of interaction between cultures. Renaming a street in Lviv is not just an act of respect, but also a reminder of the importance of fighting injustice.
Process and prospects
- The renaming was proposed by the first deputy mayor of Lvov, Andrey Moskalenko.
- The idea was supported by the toponymic commission, as well as in memorial initiatives.
- The move could become a symbol for other cities, inspiring the memorialization of important historical figures.
Table: Contributions of Raphael Lemkin
| Contribution | Details | Implications for the world |
|---|---|---|
| Creation of a term | “Genocide” is the legal term for mass destruction | Recognition of crimes against humanity |
| Legislation | Participation in the development of the UN Convention | International protection laws |
| Historical heritage | Remembrance of the Holocaust and other tragedies | Uniting peoples |
Expert opinion
Historian Anton Drobovich notes:
“Renaming a street in Lviv demonstrates Ukraine’s desire to preserve the memory of outstanding individuals who defended human rights.”
Conclusion
A street named after Rafael Lemkin will soon appear in Lviv. This is a significant event that symbolizes mutual understanding between Ukraine and the Jewish people. Such initiatives remind us of the importance of preserving historical memory.
Website NAnews – Israel News continues to cover topics related to cultural and historical ties between our countries. Stay tuned!
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