Guinness World Records (GWR) has confirmed that it is not accepting any new record submissions from Israel, the West Bank or Gaza, citing the ongoing “sensitive” environment created by the war between Israel and Hamas. The policy, in place since November 2023, has resurfaced after an Israeli charity revealed that its attempt to register a large record-setting event had been declined.

Policy suspended since November 2023

Responding to queries from The Times of Israel, a GWR spokesperson said the freeze applies to any submission where the attempt location is Israel or the Palestinian territories, except those organised in cooperation with UN humanitarian aid agencies.

“We truly do believe in record-breaking for everyone, everywhere,” the spokesperson said, “but unfortunately, in the current climate, we are not generally processing record applications from the Palestinian Territories or Israel.”

The organisation did not clarify why UN-linked attempts would be considered while others remain barred. GWR noted that the policy is reviewed monthly, with the hope that regular submissions can resume “soon”.

Israeli charity’s 2,000-donor kidney event declined

The policy came to public attention after Channel 12 reported that Israeli non-profit Matnat Chaim, which facilitates voluntary kidney donations, was planning an event to bring 2,000 donors together in Jerusalem — a world record. The charity approached Guinness to discuss certification but was told that submissions from Israel or the Palestinian-run territories were not being accepted.

Matnat Chaim president Rachel Heber criticised the decision:

“The fact that Guinness refuses to include the Israeli achievement that astonished the entire medical world is unacceptable.”

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the move as “inexcusable”, arguing that significant humanitarian achievements should not be dismissed based on nationality.

“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,” he wrote on X.

Strong reactions from US officials and global supporters

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee also questioned Guinness’s reasoning, calling the policy “hate and bigotry” and suggesting humourously that the decision-makers had “drunk a full vat of Guinness beer”.

Prominent hedge fund manager Bill Ackman went further, suggesting the creation of a new record-keeping institution that would avoid “political bias”.

“How can Guinness World Records claim to recognise world records when they exclude submissions from certain countries?” he asked.

Policy amid growing global isolation

The decision comes as Israel faces increasing cultural, academic and sporting isolation in its second year of war in Gaza. Boycotts and diplomatic pushback have been mounting globally, with several institutions distancing themselves from the country.

Despite the current suspension, Guinness continues to display dozens of records set by Israelis and Palestinians on its website. These include:

  • Israel: heaviest strawberry, largest mezuzah, longest wheelchair tennis match, fastest typing of 100 digits of Pi.
  • Palestinian territories: largest qatayef pastry, most people dribbling a football simultaneously, longest chain of scarves.

GWR has not indicated whether existing records could be affected by the ongoing policy.

Broader implications for global cultural participation

While the decision does not directly relate to politics, critics argue that Guinness’s stance inadvertently amplifies the sense of isolation felt by individuals and organisations in the region. Supporters of the policy, however, contend that the sensitive situation and risks associated with gatherings or events justify temporary caution.

Policy analysts suggest that the freeze may reflect concerns around hosting or certifying mass public gatherings in conflict zones, potential safety risks for GWR adjudicators, or reputational considerations amid polarised global opinion.

For communities and organisations around the world — including those in India who have interacted with Guinness for various cultural and technical achievements — the situation serves as a reminder of how global conflict can spill over into unexpected areas of cultural recognition.