Guinness World Records is no longer accepting submissions from Israel or the Palestinian territories, a spokesperson for the organization told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday.
“We truly do believe in record-breaking for everyone, everywhere, but unfortunately, in the current climate, we are not generally processing record applications from the Palestinian Territories or Israel, or where either is given as the attempt location, with the exception of those done in cooperation with a UN humanitarian aid relief agency,” the spokesperson said.
According to the statement, the policy has been in place since November 2023. GWR said it is monitoring the situation carefully, and the policy is subject to a monthly review. “We hope to be in a position to receive new inquiries soon,” the spokesperson added.
The news came to light after the organization Matnat Chaim (The Gift of Life) approached GWR judges regarding its record-breaking plans to bring 2,000 Israeli kidney donors together for a photo in Jerusalem. Matnat Chaim encourages voluntary kidney donations.
GWR bars entries from Israel
The organization told the Post that it started planning the event in 2019, when it received official approval from GWR. At the time, it paid a deposit of $800; however, planning was soon suspended as a result of the COVID pandemic.
The organization then resumed planning this summer and, between 30 August and 15 September, sent seven messages to GWR but received no response. Finally, Matnat Chaim received an email from the commercial team saying, “We are unable to collaborate with you on this event.”
Only on September 22 was it confirmed that this was because no submissions are being accepted from Israel. All of this correspondence was viewed by the Post.
“Within a week to 10 days, Matnat Chaim will celebrate the 2000th kidney transplant from healthy volunteers since its founding in 2009,” Judy Singer of Matnat Chaim told the Post.
“This is an astounding achievement, and we’re very proud to lead the transplant revolution in Israel.”
“We were shocked and dismayed when Guinness declined to cooperate with us on our event, which is purely altruistic in nature and far from any political controversy.
“We will host an event for our kidney donors next month and make an attempt to break the world record for the largest-ever gathering of organ donors; we hope that Guinness will decide to recognize our efforts in their book.
"But, with Guinness or without, our volunteer kidney donors are saving lives nearly every day. That is true proof of Israeli solidarity and social responsibility, and that is our greatest accomplishment.”
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, citing the Post report, called the announcement twisted.
"This is inexcusable. 2,000 Israeli kidney donors are making the largest donation ever, yet they are being denied the Guinness World Record simply because they are from Israel. We expect and demand that this twisted decision be revoked immediately."