Imagine being able to prevent having children born with genetic disease before you even decide who you’ll marry. Dor Yeshorim was established in 1983 for this purpose by Rabbi Ekstein after experiencing his own personal tragedy of losing four children to genetic disease and recognizing the unbearable suffering and heartache of Jewish families throughout the world.

Over 460,000 individuals have been tested by Dor Yeshorim to date, but this was mainly within the Ashkenazic Jews. In 2015, after years of painstaking research and countless requests of families, with the help of many experts Dor Yeshorim developed a specialized panel to test for genetic diseases most prevalent among the different segments of Sephardi Jews (i.e. Syrians, Yemenites, Iranians etc.).

Since they began testing Sephardic Jews, over 12 thousand people have been tested. In general 25,000 individuals are tested annually, and close to 23,000 compatibility results are facilitated each year. From the all individuals that they have tested, over 4,970 families were spaired from having children born with genetic diseases. This means potential married couples were tested and deemed incompatible.

So what is Dor Yeshorim’s process?

Step one is getting tested. There are more than 30 Dor Yeshorim screening locations in 11 countries around the world where you could visit and get tested. Dor Yeshorim also conducts mass screening drives in which they visit high schools, yeshivas, seminaries, and colleges worldwide to conduct these vital tests.

What does the test entail?

Blood is taken from each participant who will then receive a 9-digit confidential identification number and card. Next, the samples are sent to a CLIA certified, ISO accredited and New York state licensed labs, under the supervision of Dor Yeshorim, where they undergo rigorous DNA testing. Results are entered into a highly regulated, central database under stringent quality controls.

Checking Compatibility:

When a match is considered, both sides exchange ID numbers, day and month of birth, and call Dor Yeshorim’s easy-access, 24 hour automated hotline. If neither, or only one party is a carrier for the same recessive disease, the match is deemed genetically compatible and a Dor Yeshorim representative will call both parties to the phone number on file to inform them that they can proceed with their lives, risk free, in regard to the tested genetic diseases.

However, if both are found to be carriers of the same genetic disease, they are informed that the match is genetically incompatible. The couple is then advised of the risks of proceeding and offered guidance and support free of charge.

Dor Yeshorim faces the common misconception that genetic disease is only prevalent amongst Ashkenazic Jews everyday. In reality, it is not so and it has been 100% proven that, unfortunately, Sephardim are susceptible to genetic diseases as well.  Over the past few years, many individuals from the Sephardic community have reached out to Dor Yeshorim because they gave birth to children with fatal and debilitating genetic diseases.

Based on experience and scientific research gathered through the years of testing thousands of Sephardim, Dor Yeshorim introduced an all-new panel to test for genetic diseases most prevalent among the different segments of Sephardi Jews. The testing has been proven effective in preventing many incompatible and high-risk marriages among Sephardic couples. Over 30 thousand Sephardic Jews have already joined the program.

What is the cost to me?

Dor Yeshorim’s testing is highly subsidized by generous donors worldwide, and is offered at a nominal fee. Special mass screening events price at $200 dollars and individual testing prices at $275. 

Compatibility checks are unlimited and free of charge to participants.  Dor Yeshorim also has staff and myriad resources constantly available to guide, assist, and support parents with any genetic issues that arise.  No additional expense is incurred.

In the words of the Sephardic Gedolim:

“Thus, with the goal of saving Jewish lives and sparing them unnecessary bitter suffering and anguish, we turn to all our brethren with this heartfelt cry of friendship and state that this is a mandatory undertaking for all our dear students and members of Klal Yisrael who are of Sephardic descent: Please have mercy on yourselves and your children and conduct the crucial, lifesaving tests offered by Dor Yesharim Association, thus fulfilling the obligation of requisite hishtadlut, effort, that prevents immeasurable suffering in the future. May those who heed these words enjoy nachat and pleasure, and may they merit dorot yesharim mevorachim, beautiful Jewish generations, and bountiful blessings.”

“Signing with love for the Torah and her scholars.”

Ovadia Yoseph- Ohel Yosef, Masoed ben Shimon, Raphoel Baruch Tolideinu, Eliyahu Aba Shaul, Yoseph Lasri, Menashe Abiezri, Ovner Efgin, Yoel Tolideinu, Betzalel Pinchsi, Shalom Biton, Betzalel Tolideinu, Baruch Tzvi Lev, Yehuda Kohen, Eliyahu Raphoel, Avraham Salem, Efrayim Kohen, Yaakov ben Naim, Raphael Abiton, Moshe Tzedaka, Ezra Nissan, Eliyahu Tzion Sofer, Emanuel Tolideinu, Moshe Haleivi, Aharon Chadar. 

To view a full list of endorsements for Dor Yeshorim, click here.

To coordinate a mass screening event in a yeshivah or seminary or for more information on testing locations and screening events please call the Dor Yeshorim office at 718-384-6060 or visit their website. 

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.