Gabi Matzkin, 49, has been suffering for five years as his physical health continued to deteriorate due to renal failure. When doctors discussed the possibility of a transplant it was clear as day for his brother Ariel that he would merit becoming the donor. The doctors informed Gabi about a year ago that a transplant was his only hope.
Ariel, 41, admits that on motzei Shabbos, hours before he was to head for the operating room he became a bit frightened, for he admits he is scared of needles, yet alone surgery. The Ramat HaSharon resident did however go through with the surgery at Beilinson Hospital as he said he would and on Sunday, the father of four donated a kidney to his older brother, thereby saving his life.
Speaking to Ynet, Ariel explains for him, he feels as if he was operating in “automatic gear” for the moment he heard of his brother’s situation, it was clear as day that if he could, he must step forward and do whatever he can to save his life.
The transplant took place two weeks ago and B”H the brothers have since been discharged from the hospital and they are recuperating in their homes.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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4 Responses
This is very nice but why is this news? I’ve heard of lots of brother, sisters, children etc. who donated kidney’s to their loved ones. They didn’t get an article written up about their heroic act.
To #1
This is news because, amongst all the terrible things we read about between brothers, it gladdens the heart to hear such pleasant news. Unfortunately people like you would only like such stories to appear if something went wrong in the operation, G-d forbid.
number 1 this is great news showing love of a fellow Jew even if is your brother
Yes it is great that he did it, but what indeed is the news here? I would donate a kidney in a second to anyone who needed it, if my doctor would allow it. I am extremely disappointed that I do not have the opportunity to perform this great mitzvah.