Jewish toddler's kidney saves Palestinian boy's life
Parents of three-year-old Noam Naor who was declared brain dead after falling from fourth floor donate his kidney to 10-year-old Yakoub Ibhisad. 'Knowing I saved a life gives me great comfort and the power to go on, mother says
Three-year-old Noam Naor fell from the fourth floor of his parents' apartment building and was rushed at critical condition to the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. His injuries were so extensive they had caused him irreparable brain damage forcing doctors to declare him brain dead.
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After consulting the matter with rabbis, Noam's parents, both religious, decided to donate their son's kidneys.
Given Noam's young age there was no choice but to donate the kidney to a child as the organ could not be transplanted in anyone weighing over 30 kilograms.
Yakoub Ibhisad after transplant (Photo: Schneider Children's Medical Center)
A tissue test run through the national waiting list found only one match - a 10-year-old Palestinian boy.
Yakoub Ibhisad had been treated at the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem for the past seven years for kidney failure. None of his family members were a match.
The transplant center asked Noam's parents' permission to give the kidney to a non-Israeli, and was given their consent.
"I thought about Shimon Peres' efforts for peace with our neighbors and realized I was making the right decision," Noam's mother Sarit said.
"Knowing I saved a life gives me great comfort and the power to go on," she added. "It was not an easy choice, but I today I am happy I made it. It doesn't matter that it's a Palestinian boy, I wish it would bring us peace."
Having been made aware of the mother's wish to speak to President Peres, the transplant center arranged a call between with the president who conveyed his condolences and expressed his support for the family's decision.
"It's one of the most moving contributions to peace," Peres told the mother. "It shatters all prejudices."
The transplant was performed at the Schneider Children's Medical Center in Petah Tikva, where Yakoub is still hospitalized. He is scheduled to be discharged soon.
Samir Ibhisad, Yakoub's father said, "I haven't the words to thank the family that saved my son's life. We've been through many years of suffering when my son was on dialysis and his life was in danger.
"We are grateful for the donation and hope that God willing the couple will be blessed enough to have another child."
Health Minister Yael German said, "Noam's parents are noble and inspiring people. Their donation is a source of pride and an example of humanity and kindness. "
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