About Us

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Who We Are

The Jewish Genetic Discovery Foundation (JGDF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to exploring and illuminating Jewish history through the power of genetic research. Founded by a diverse team of passionate citizen scientists, population geneticists, and genealogists from Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Mizrahi backgrounds, we aim to uncover the deep ancestral roots of Jewish communities worldwide. Each of our researchers has years of experience in the field.

Advancing Jewish Genealogy

Our Mission

We strive to advance public understanding of Jewish history, identity, and interconnectedness by:

  • Educating individuals and communities about the insights and limitations of genetic testing.
  • Supporting research on the genetic diversity of historically underrepresented Jewish populations.
  • Making genetic data accessible, responsibly curated, and meaningful to the people it comes from.
  • Translating complex science into clear, engaging stories that deepen our shared sense of heritage.
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Why Our Work Matters

Jewish history is vast, diverse, and often under-documented—especially for many Mizrahi, Sephardic, and other diasporic communities. Genetic research offers a powerful new lens through which to explore that history, but it must be paired with humility, context, and collaboration.
Many Jewish populations remain underrepresented in genetic databases. Mistrust, misinformation, and the complexity of interpreting results have left gaps in public understanding. JGDF works to close those gaps by:

  • Clarifying what ancestry-focused genetic testing can and cannot reveal.
  • Helping individuals make informed choices and navigate surprising results.
  • Supporting the inclusion of overlooked Jewish communities in genetic research.

But our work is inherently interdisciplinary. We believe genetic research gains its deepest meaning when placed in conversation with history, culture, and lived experience. That’s why we’re committed to:

  • Building bridges between disciplines — combining genetics with archaeology, history, linguistics, and anthropology to tell a fuller, truer story of the Jewish people.
  • Building bridges between communities — partnering with researchers, genealogists, and project administrators across the globe who travel to remote regions and collect samples from under-tested Jewish and crypto-Jewish populations.
  • Strengthening Jewish identity and connection — by uncovering shared lineages, forgotten migrations, and long-lost ties between Jewish groups worldwide.

Through these efforts, we aim to transform data into discovery—and discovery into deeper understanding, unity, and pride in our diverse yet interconnected heritage.

Meet our Team Members
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The Jewish Genetic Discovery Foundation is dedicated to studying the genetic history of Jewish populations worldwide, preserving heritage, and advancing our understanding of human migration patterns.