Shem is traditionally described in Genesis as an ancestor of the Israelites.
Genesis lists Shem as one of Noah's three sons, alongside Ham and Japheth. Its genealogical material traces Shem's line through Arpachshad, Shelah, Eber, and later generations to Abram, who is identified as Abraham. This lineage places the Israelites within the wider family history associated with Shem.
The term “Semitic” was later formed from Shem's name and became associated with languages and peoples of the ancient Near East. Modern linguistic classification uses “Semitic” for a language family, including Hebrew and Arabic; it should not be treated as a simple biological category derived directly from the biblical genealogy.
The other sons also receive traditional associations: Ham is linked in the narrative with Canaan, while Japheth is associated in later interpretations with peoples farther north and west. For the specific Israelite genealogy in Genesis, however, the answer is Shem.