Genocide
The word genocide did not exist in any official capacity until 1948, when a Polish Jew named Raphael Lemkin lobbied to get the term legally defined and adopted by the United Nations. Lemkin had been intent on establishing the term even before World War II, but his efforts were accelerated in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Helping define genocide — the deliberate and systemic destruction of an ethnic, racial, religious or national group — is a heavy legacy for the Jewish community to bear. But this legacy has been foundational to Jews’ ongoing commitment to stop and prevent other acts of genocide around the world.
Unfortunately, genocide is not just a historical term — from Rwanda to Chechnya and Bosnia — the last two decades have witnessed numerous examples of genocide. Perhaps most notoriously, the Darfur region of Sudan continues to be wracked with internal political strife, along with the terrorization and mass displacement of its civilians. According to American Jewish World Service (AJWS), more than 450,000 people have lost their lives to the genocide in Darfur.
For the last several years, Jewish voices have been at the forefront of the Darfur crisis. Synagogues hang Darfur solidarity banners on their buildings — and the hugely influential Save Darfur Coalition, a group of 150 faith-based and humanitarian organizations, was founded through the shared vision of AJWS and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Ways to Serve Now
- Start a Challah for Hunger chapter on campus or in your community.
- Organize a genocide-focused text study.
- Organize an event for Sudan365, a global day of action.
- Join an anti-genocide action group.
- Spread the word to friends, family – and even your representatives.
Find more opportunities at Repair the World’s service opportunities page.
Learn More
Darfur Action Campaign, American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
Genocide Resources United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Jewish World Watch, member of the Save Darfur Coalition
Responding to Genocide Aaron Dorfman, My Jewish Learning
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