Unemployment pushes Israeli men to sell sperm for livelihood

The recent unprecedented unemployment rate which is as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed many Israeli men into selling sperm to local sperm banks for livelihood.

Sperm banks have reported a 300 per cent increase in donations.

Sperm donors include soldiers who have been demobilised as well as students, many of whom were laid off from work or put on unpaid leave.

Public and private sperm banks pay hundreds of shekels per donation, making it possible for a donor to earn up to NIS 4,000 ($1,172) every month.

A 25-year-old from Haifa who lost his chef job and is wallowing in debt of close to tens of thousands of shekels had to leave his apartment to live with his parents.

“I decided that donating sperm is a good opportunity to make money,” he explained.

“For just a few minutes ‘work’ I can earn NIS 3,000 [$879] a month and more. It’s a great income at this time, while I’m unemployed,” he added.