Are DNA tests illegal in Israel?

Posted by

John M. Kaman

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Are-DNA-tests-illegal-in-Israel

Hey there! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s been buzzing with curiosity and confusion: Are DNA tests illegal in Israel? This isn’t just a simple yes or no question – it’s a fascinating journey through Israel’s unique legal landscape. So, whether you’re a legal buff, a science enthusiast, or just plain curious, join me as we unpack the ins and outs of DNA testing in the Land of Milk and Honey.

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The Heart of the Matter – The Genetic Information Law

In the year 2000, Israel passed a groundbreaking law called the Genetic Information Law. This wasn’t just any legislation; it was a pioneering move to address the burgeoning world of genetic testing. The law was primarily designed to protect personal privacy and prevent the misuse of genetic data. But here’s the kicker: it made direct-to-consumer (DTC) DNA testing kits a no-go in Israel without a special nod from the court or permission from the Ministry of Health. That’s right, your casual ancestry or health DNA test kit falls under this bracket.

Ethical and Privacy Concerns

Israel’s stance on DNA testing isn’t just about legal jargon; it’s deeply rooted in ethical and privacy concerns. In a melting pot of cultures and religions like Israel, genetic information is not just personal data; it’s a sensitive cocktail of identity, heritage, and sometimes, controversy.

Exceptions to the Rule

Now, it’s not all black and white. The law carves out some exceptions. Medical genetic testing? That’s a green light, provided there’s informed consent. Research purposes? Also good to go, with the right ethical approvals and consents. And here’s a twist – rabbinical courts in Israel have been known to use DNA tests for verifying Jewish lineage in specific legal contexts.

So, what if you’re in Israel and itching to unravel your DNA story? You’ve got a couple of paths. You could hop on a plane and get tested elsewhere, or you could explore services like MyHeritage, which operates within the Israeli legal framework, albeit with certain restrictions.

Conclusion

To sum up, while you won’t find DNA test kits in your local Israeli pharmacy, the world of genetic testing in Israel is far from a dead end. It’s a complex interplay of law, ethics, and science. Whether you’re considering a DNA test for health, ancestry, or just out of curiosity, it’s essential to tread with an understanding of Israel’s unique legal and cultural tapestry.

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2 responses

  1. Frank Gerbi Avatar
    Frank Gerbi

    I believe putting restrictions on DNA test in Israel is logical; the basic Idea as set out by the Zionist ideology, is that all Jews are Semites, and descendants of Jacob; which means from a single blood line. Israel’s Jewish population is visibly composed of many ethnic groups; East European Jews being the elite, and going down the various ethnic groups down to the African Jews. Of course allowing DNA test will confirm that Jews are not descendants from a single bloodline. This will of course negate the whole Zionist concept of the “Semitic Race”, and consequently what is constantly decried as (antisemitism). And therefor the Tribes of Israel becomes nothing but political jargon designed to legitimize the colonization of Palestine.

    Reply
    1. Yisrael ben Yisrael Avatar
      Yisrael ben Yisrael

      No, DNA tests are not Illegal in Yisrael. Not it is not illegal to publish your DNA results in Israel. You should have actually read the article you shared.

      Israel, like France, bans Direct to Consumer DNA companies from forming in Yisrael. If you live in Yisrael, you can still order a 23 and Me kit from the United States. The same as the law in France and the same law that is being debated in other countries, including The Arab League nations.

      Why? Why have both France and Yisrael banned Direct to Consumer Companies in Yisrael and why are other nations having this same debate?

      Becaues of Misuse. Where the Direct to Consumer DNA testing facilities have been found TIME AND AGAIN to share YOUR DNA with random parties without your consent. This cannot happen in Israel.

      On the other hand, DNA for crime data and crime investigation, DNA for research, and DNA for medical investigation is a large business in Israel. DNA facilities in Israel are some of the best in the world and most prolific. Because of these research facilities in Yisrael, we are able to conclude that those of us who say we are Jews… are in fact jews.

      But not just our research facilities. DNA research facilities around the world have tested Jews living in their nations, and this includes Direct to Consumer DNA testing facilities. And the conclusions are consistent. For Ashkenazi for instance, nearly 100% of our Patrilineal DNA is from the near east and around 20% of our matrilineal DNA is from the near east. We, intermarried locally, as I mentioned before. Whereas Sephardi have larger amounts of Matrilineal DNA since they mostly kept marrying Mizrahi Jewesses.

      I get it, someone told you it is “illegal” to do DNA testing in Yisrael. You found an article that answers the question and you did not even read the article, which demonstrates that your claim…the thing you hoped it says, is not true and the article says the opposite of what you said. Contrary to your claim, we are in fact, all jews.

      Deal with it.

      Reply

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