The Blood Affair 1996 — what happened, and what changed

What happened — background

During the 1990s, Magen David Adom blood centres were quietly discarding Ethiopian-Israeli blood donations, citing a claimed high HIV risk — without testing, without notifying donors. The practice was unofficial but internally known.

The exposure — January 1996

Channel 2 broadcast an investigative report revealing that Ethiopian-Israeli donations were discarded after collection without donor notification.

The protest — January 28, 1996

~10,000 community members marched in Jerusalem — the "Blood Protest", the largest Ethiopian-Israeli demonstration ever held. Police deployed horses, shields, and batons; 40–50 injuries reported. Images of protesters and discarded blood vials became embedded in national memory.

Government response

PM Shimon Peres issued a public apology and met community representatives. The Shamgar Commission (1996) declared the practice discriminatory and recommended a full policy change.

What changed

1996: MDA changed policy — all Israeli citizens' donations accepted and tested equally
2000–2008: Symbolic compensation settlements
The affair became a landmark in Ethiopian-Israeli civil rights advocacy

Relevance today

Anti-racism activists cite the Blood Affair as a case study in covert institutionally-racist policy. Annual memorial observances are held around January 28.