Family of Palestinian killed by Israeli security guards donates his organs to save six Israelis

Our group was in Bethlehem's Deheishe refugee camp just days ago and watched from a rooftop as Israeli soldiers circled a house with jeeps, shooting tear gas as well as rubber bullets and live ammunition. Up to 11 Palestinians were reported injured. The news report below describing the outcome of a similar event a few weeks ago resonates deeply with me. Ann

This is from Ma'an News Agency: "Family of Palestinian killed by Israeli security guards donates his organs to save six Israelis" - http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=30003

June 20, 2008 Bethlehem - Ma’an - The family of an 18-year-old Palestinian civilian, who died after being shot by Israeli security guards a few weeks ago, have donated his organs to save the lives of six Israelis.

Patient "A" was clinically dead when he was transferred to the intensive care unit in Shiba medical center in Tel Hashomeir. But doctors were unable to resuscitate him.

The Hebrew daily newspaper Ma’ariv reported that his family decided to donate his organs to those who needed them, regardless of their race, religion or identity.

The National Center for Organ Transplants promised to keep information concerning his identity confidential for the safety of his family who live in the Palestinian Authority area. The families of the recipients were told about the identity of the donor but have also agreed to keep the information confidential, according to the newspaper.

On Wednesday evening the Patient "A"'s father had an emotional meeting with the patient who received his son’s heart. Patient "A"'s father described his son as "a great person who was loved by everyone. He was big-hearted and I didn’t hesitate to donate his organs to needy patients, even though he was killed by Israeli security guards.”

“At first it was hard for me, but God inspired me to take the right decision to help the patients by donating my son’s organs. I’m happy with this decision and I don’t differentiate between Jews and Arabs. All I care about is saving people's lives. That’s why I didn’t ask about the patients' identities,” he added.

Ma'an News Agency: http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php

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