Guinness rejects world records from Israel

The Guinness World Records has suspended accepting submissions from Israel and the Palestinian territories following the Hamas attacks on October 7. This decision came to light when an Israeli charity aimed to organize a mass kidney donation event involving 2,000 participants in Jerusalem.

Israels international standing has faced increasing pressure due to its military actions in Gaza, which were triggered by the attacks from Hamas. Recently, four countries announced a boycott of the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in response to Israels involvement.

Israels Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, criticized Guinness for denying the record attempt: Two thousand Israeli kidney donors are attempting the largest donation ever, yet Guinness refuses to recognize it simply because they are Israeli. We demand this unfair decision be overturned immediately.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also voiced his concern: How can hatred and bias influence a global record? Its baffling.

The Matnat Chaim charity, which facilitates voluntary kidney donations, was informed that Guinness would not process record applications from Israel or Palestinian-controlled areas. Exceptions are made only for attempts carried out in coordination with UN humanitarian agencies. Rachel Heber, president of Matnat Chaim, called the decision unacceptable, highlighting the global significance of the medical milestone.

Guinness Responds to the Controversy

A Guinness World Records spokesperson explained that the policy has been reviewed monthly since its introduction in 2023. Our goal is to support lasting peace for those affected in Israel, the Palestinian territories, and the wider region, the spokesperson said. While we believe in record-breaking for everyone, we temporarily paused applications from Israel and the Palestinian territories, except for those conducted in partnership with UN humanitarian relief organizations.

The spokesperson emphasized that the measure was appropriate during the escalation of violence but is under constant review. The resumption of applications will depend on a more stable situation and potential ceasefire in the region.

Context and Precedents

Critics point to Israels continued participation in Eurovision despite controversies, noting that Russia was removed from the contest after invading Ukraine. Guinness has also suspended accepting record applications from Russia since February 2022.

Although new record applications are paused, Guinness still lists past achievements from both Israelis and Palestinians. Examples include:

• The worlds heaviest strawberry, weighing 322 grams, grown in Israel.
• The longest wheelchair tennis match, held in Israel, lasting four hours and 25 minutes.
• The largest Lego menorahs built in Israel.
• Palestinian records for the largest simultaneous football dribbling event (2,068 participants) and the longest chain of scarves, measuring 6,552 metres.

Author: Noah Whitman