Guinness World Records rejects record attempts in Israel

Guinness World Records has suspended accepting record attempts from Israel and the Palestinian territories following the October 7 attack by Hamas. The decision came to light when an Israeli charity sought to organize a mass kidney donation event in Jerusalem involving 2,000 participants.

The move reflects increasing international scrutiny of Israel amid its ongoing military actions in Gaza, which were prompted by the Hamas attacks. Recently, four nations announced they would boycott next years Eurovision Song Contest due to Israels involvement.

Israels foreign minister, Gideon Saar, criticized the policy, stating that the denial of recognition for 2,000 kidney donors constitutes a "twisted decision" that should be reversed immediately. Similarly, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee condemned the ban, questioning the motives behind Guinness stance.

The Matnat Chaim charity, which coordinates voluntary kidney donations, confirmed that Guinness would not process record applications from Israel or Palestinian-controlled areas. Exceptions are allowed only for attempts organized in cooperation with UN humanitarian agencies. Rachel Heber, president of Matnat Chaim, expressed disappointment, emphasizing that the achievement was groundbreaking for the medical community.

A spokesperson for Guinness World Records explained that the ban, first introduced in 2023, is reviewed monthly. The organization cited a commitment to supporting long-term peace in the region as a reason for the temporary pause, though record-breaking attempts conducted in partnership with UN relief agencies remain eligible.

The spokesman added that the policy is under continuous review, considering ceasefires and stabilization in the region. The organization hopes to resume processing applications from all areas once conditions allow.

Critics of Israels participation in Eurovision compare it to Russias exclusion following its invasion of Ukraine. Guinness also halted record applications from Russia in February 2022 but continues to list existing achievements from both Israel and Palestinian territories.

Notable records include Israels 322-gram strawberry, the worlds longest wheelchair tennis match at four hours and 25 minutes, and the construction of the largest Lego menorahs. Palestinian achievements include the largest simultaneous football dribble involving 2,068 participants and a scarf chain stretching 6,552 metres.

Author: Gavin Porter