Dor Yeshorim

Dor Yeshorim (also known as the Committee for Prevention of Jewish Genetic Diseases) is a non-profit organization that offers genetic screening to members of the Jewish community. The organization was founded in 1983 by Rabbi Josef Ekstein, after he lost four of his children to Tay-Sachs disease, a genetic disorder that is more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.

History

Rabbi Josef Ekstein founded Dor Yeshorim in 1983, after losing four of his children to Tay-Sachs disease. The organization was created with the aim of preventing the birth of children with severe genetic disorders. Dor Yeshorim's approach to genetic screening is unique in that it focuses on premarital screening, with the goal of preventing at-risk couples from marrying.

Genetic Screening

Dor Yeshorim's genetic screening program tests for a number of genetic disorders that are more common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent. These include Tay-Sachs disease, Cystic fibrosis, Canavan disease, Familial dysautonomia, and Glycogen storage disease type 1. The organization also offers screening for Sephardic Jewish genetic diseases, such as Familial Mediterranean fever and Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

One of the key principles of Dor Yeshorim's approach is maintaining the confidentiality and anonymity of those who undergo genetic screening. The organization does not disclose the results of the screening to the individuals themselves, but rather provides them with a unique identification number. When a couple is considering marriage, they can call Dor Yeshorim with their identification numbers to find out if they are genetically compatible.

Criticism and Controversy

While Dor Yeshorim's approach has been praised for its effectiveness in reducing the incidence of genetic diseases in the Jewish community, it has also been criticized. Some critics argue that the organization's policy of not disclosing test results to individuals infringes on their right to know their own genetic information. Others have raised concerns about the potential for discrimination and stigmatization of carriers of genetic diseases.

See Also

• Genetic testing
• Genetic disorders
• Ashkenazi Jewish genetic disorders
• Sephardic Jewish genetic disorders

Dor Yeshorim Resources
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