Community Magazine August 2016

TAMUZ - AV 5776 AUGUST 2016 35 ITS FAMILIES Dor Yeshorim does not for one moment forget who its incredible and lifesaving work is for - the individual members of Klal Yisrael . It aims to provide the utmost peace of mind to our communities, doing all it can to assist families of children who, rachmana l’tzlan, were born with genetic disorders. Dor Yeshorim has become the go-to source for any genetic question or referral request, providing professional, compassionate and sensitive guidance. On an ongoing basis, Dor Yeshorim conducts groundbreaking genetic research. Its dedicated team of researchers works together with each family to painstakingly identify its genetic mutation. They then develop reliable testing protocols to ensure that preventative measures are put in place. The earlier a family calls, the more time Dor Yeshorim has to develop methods to safeguard the health and shidduchim potential of their future children. ITS SEPHARDIC ADDITION Recently, Dor Yeshorim began to expand its reach, launching a Sephardi genetic screening initiative that tests for genetic diseases that are commonly found among the Sephardic community. Many people have the misconception that genetic diseases are something that only affect the Ashkenazic community. Yet, that is not the truth. In recent years, many families from the Sephardic community began reaching out to Dor Yeshorim for genetic assistance, as they, too, gavebirth to childrenwith fatal anddebilitating genetic diseases, rachmana l’tzlan. In the past, very little research had been done regarding Sephardic genetic diseases. And so, a couple of years ago, Dor Yeshorim began the process of conducting groundbreaking genetic research. The goal was to develop a comprehensive testing panel thatwould test Sephardimfor the genetic diseases that they are susceptible to, in the hopes of eliminating the recurrence of genetic disease from the Sephardic community, as well. Dr. Ohad Birk, the head of the Genetics Institute at Soroka Medical Center, located in Be’er Sheva in Israel, believes that the dearth of research done around Sephardic genetic diseases is partially due to the fact that the genetic dynamics of the Sephardim are more complex than those of Ashkenazim. While Ashkenazim hail from various countries, they are all susceptible to the same genetic diseases. Sephardim, however, will have different genetic diseases and mutations depending on their country of origin. This adds an additional layer of complexity when setting up a panel for genetic testing Recently, after investing many resources and much time into this facet of the organization, Dor Yeshorim unveiled a panel that screens for thirteen additional genetic diseases that are prevalent in non-Ashkenazic communities. It should be said, however, that certain genetic diseases that are on Dor Yeshorim’s Ashkenazic panel can also be found among those of Sephardicdescent,includingTaySachsandcystic fibrosis. Additionally, aSephardic individualwith Ashkenazic blood from a few generations back, can also be a carrier for Ashkenazic genetic diseases. There are also genetic diseases found only among Sephardim. Because of these possibilities, it’s imperative that all Sephardim be screened for genetic diseases, whether they’ve coupled with another Sephardi, or with an Ashkenazi individual. Thosewho joined theDor Yeshorimprogram after January of 2016 and indicated that they are of Sephardic descent, were automatically screened for both Dor Yeshorim’s Ashkenazic and Sephardic panels. Those who were tested byDor Yeshorimbefore this timeperiod should call the Dor Yeshorim office to update their information. An additional blood specimen is not needed, in most cases. Since Dor Yeshorim’s announcement about the addition of its Sephardic testing panel, many Rabbanim and leaders, both of Sephardic and non-Sephardic denominations, have embraced the development. In May of 2015, Hacham Yitzchak Yosef, shlita , the Rishon L’Tzion of Eretz Yisrael and Av Bet Din of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel Supreme Bet Din, called upon all Sephardim to be tested for genetic inconsistencies. They insisted that testing our children for genetic compatibility before they embark on marriage can, and will, help them to avoid the problems that can potentially arise if they do not screen beforehand. Recently, in December of 2015, Gedolei HaDor and Roshei Yeshiva from the Sephardic communities in Israel released a Kol Koreh . The announcement stated that, before getting engaged, every single Jew, regardless of whether they are of Ashkenazic of Sephardic descent, should get tested by Dor Yeshorim to ensure the compatibility of the shidduch . Dor Yeshorim is now working tirelessly with the Rabbanim and community leaders abroad to help establish this lifesaving initiative so that it can continue protecting the futures of all Jewish communities. Dor Yeshorim is an international nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the prevention of Jewish genetic diseases. Dor Yeshorim conducts screenings at locations all over the world, spearheads ongoing and groundbreaking genetic research and assists families that currently have children who are affected with rare genetic diseases. For more information about Dor Yeshorim’s programs or if you have any genetic-related questions, please contact them at: (718) 384-6060, email info@DorYeshorim.org or visit their website at www.DorYeshorim.org . Approval of Hacham Ovadiah Yosef, A"H. Letter from Hacham Yitzhak Yosef. In recent years, many families from the Sephardic community began reaching out to Dor Yeshorim for genetic assistance, as they, too, gave birth to children with fatal and debilitating genetic diseases...