Understanding Genetic Diversity

Explore the rich genetic heritage of Jewish populations worldwide. Discover ancestry-specific health insights, cultural context, and personalized risk assessments for your community.

15M
Global Jewish Population
3
Major Population Groups
100+
Countries Worldwide
20+
Genetic Conditions Tracked

Global Jewish Population Distribution

Interactive map showing Jewish communities and their genetic characteristics worldwide

Predominantly Ashkenazi
Predominantly Sephardic
Predominantly Mizrahi
Mixed Populations

Population-Specific Genetic Insights

Detailed information about genetic characteristics and health considerations for each population group

Ashkenazi Jewish Population

Central and Eastern European Jewish ancestry

10M+
Global Population
80%
of World Jewry

Common Genetic Conditions

  • Tay-Sachs Disease 1 in 27
  • Gaucher Disease 1 in 10
  • BRCA Mutations 1 in 40
  • Cystic Fibrosis 1 in 24
  • Canavan Disease 1 in 60
  • Familial Dysautonomia 1 in 31

Historical Migration Patterns

Ashkenazi Jews trace their ancestry to Jewish communities that settled in the Rhine Valley and other parts of Central Europe during the Middle Ages. Major migration waves occurred:

  • 10th-11th centuries: Settlement in Germanic lands
  • 14th-16th centuries: Eastward migration to Poland-Lithuania
  • 19th-20th centuries: Mass migration to Americas and Israel
  • Post-WWII: Resettlement and community rebuilding

Cultural & Genetic Characteristics

  • Founder effect from small medieval populations led to higher carrier frequencies
  • Strong tradition of scholarship and genetic counseling acceptance
  • Successful community-based screening programs (Dor Yeshorim, JScreen)
  • High rates of genetic testing and family planning consultation
  • Active research participation in genetic studies

Sephardic Jewish Population

Spanish, Portuguese, and Mediterranean Jewish ancestry

2M+
Global Population
15%
of World Jewry

Common Genetic Conditions

  • Beta-Thalassemia 1 in 30
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever 1 in 5
  • G6PD Deficiency 1 in 20
  • Glycogen Storage Disease III 1 in 35
  • Ataxia Telangiectasia 1 in 80
  • Corticosterone Methyloxidase Deficiency 1 in 50

Historical Migration Patterns

Sephardic Jews have a complex history of migration following the 1492 expulsion from Spain:

  • Pre-1492: Golden Age in Iberian Peninsula
  • 1492-1500: Expulsion and initial diaspora
  • 16th-18th centuries: Settlement in Ottoman Empire, North Africa
  • 19th-20th centuries: Migration to Americas, Western Europe

Cultural & Genetic Characteristics

  • Diverse genetic background due to geographic dispersion
  • Mediterranean diet traditions may influence health outcomes
  • Strong family and community networks for health support
  • Growing awareness of population-specific genetic risks
  • Increasing participation in genetic research studies

Mizrahi Jewish Population

Middle Eastern and North African Jewish ancestry

3M+
Global Population
20%
of World Jewry

Common Genetic Conditions

  • Beta-Thalassemia 1 in 25
  • G6PD Deficiency 1 in 15
  • Familial Mediterranean Fever 1 in 7
  • Congenital Factor XI Deficiency 1 in 40
  • Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome 1 in 60
  • Inclusion Body Myopathy 1 in 75

Historical Migration Patterns

Mizrahi Jews represent some of the oldest continuous Jewish communities:

  • Ancient times: Babylonian exile and settlement
  • 7th-11th centuries: Islamic expansion and community growth
  • 1948-1970s: Mass migration to Israel
  • Modern era: Diaspora communities in Europe, Americas

Cultural & Genetic Characteristics

  • Ancient genetic lineages with Middle Eastern origins
  • Traditional medicine practices alongside modern healthcare
  • Strong extended family structures for health support
  • Emerging genetic counseling and testing programs
  • Research focus on population-specific conditions

Ancestry-Based Risk Assessment

Get personalized genetic risk information based on your ancestry

Select Your Primary Ancestry

🏛️
Ashkenazi Jewish
Central/Eastern European ancestry
🏰
Sephardic Jewish
Spanish/Portuguese/Mediterranean ancestry
🕌
Mizrahi Jewish
Middle Eastern/North African ancestry

Your Genetic Risk Profile

These are population-based carrier frequencies. Consult a genetic counselor for personalized risk assessment.