Lemkin’s Law

Samantha Power in her book “A Problem From Hell,” holds Lemkin’s Law (click here) as the basis for prosecution of genocide. Most notable Raphael Lemkin was an advisor to the United States Supreme Court in regard to genocide.

Raphael Lemkin (click here) single handedly built an understanding of the moral concept of genocide. It wasn’t until WW II did his work take on deep meaning. 

The point is, the world came together to create moral international law that prohibited genocide. That global belief banned the use of genocide as a war tactic and a means to take land. Civilized discourse would not provide for hatred between nations of people. Most terrified of any such dialogue were and are the Germans as their politics have not allowed such an idea.

As peoples sharing a single planet we must spurn any and all ideas of allowing genocidal ideation and the weapons that empower it. Hatred of each other must stop in all dialogues and be feared as it was when Raphael Lemkin coined the word genocide.

The world must return to peace and solve the problems of humanity living on Earth. 

41 hostages released.

According to CNBC News (click here) there are a total of 41 hostages released including a 4 year old American-Israeli child who lost both her parents in the initial attack by Hamas. I hope there are other family members able to care for Abigail Mor Edan.

There appears to be success in protecting the hostages during this time while Israel dismantles the Hamas tunnel system. While some hostages remain in danger it appears Hamas is respecting some aspect of the Geneva Convention that provides for prisoners.

I congratulate President Biden in limiting any escalation of this war which also includes some very level headed approach from other countries in the region. The response for calm by many Islamic Clerics and Imams has also contributed to this four day ceasefire and hostage release. 

Israel has stated there would be a one day extension of the ceasefire for every ten hostages released over the agreed 50. It would be good if that occurred while Palestinian prisoner release continues and further talks continue to provide security to Israel and the Palestinian people away from being human shields. 

It is an optimistic time. It would be best to continue the peace and resolve to end any threat to the people in this region of the world.