I spent Yom Kippur doing what Jews have done for generations. I fasted. I prayed. I stood alongside other Jews and declared God King. I asked forgiveness. I prayed for my family, my community, the Jewish people, and a better year ahead. Brad Lander spent part of his Yom Kippur at Grand Army Plaza declaring that Israel is committing genocide.

That is his right. But “genocide” is not just another political adjective. It is not a synonym for a terrible war, enormous civilian suffering, disproportionate force, or even alleged war crimes. It is a specific legal concept carrying a particular history. And before Lander uses that word again, there is someone I believe he should hear from: Joseph Lemkin.