Six Israeli School Principals Donate Kidneys to Strangers
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Six Israeli school principals have donated kidneys to strangers, driven by personal tragedies, a commitment to their students' values, and a belief in leading by example. The donors, including directors from various cities and backgrounds, were motivated by events like the October 7th attacks and a desire to offer hope and embody the principles of mutual aid they teach. Their actions highlight a broader trend, with about a quarter of living kidney donors in Israel having ties to the education system.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Six Israeli school principals donated kidneys to strangers, embodying their educational values.
- Motivations included honoring fallen soldiers and students, and a desire to offer hope.
- The principals believe personal actions are more impactful than words in teaching values.
- Events of October 7, 2023, significantly influenced at least two principals' decisions.
- About 25% of living kidney donors in Israel are connected to the education sector.
Six principals from Israeli schools have donated kidneys to strangers, demonstrating that their commitment to education extends beyond the classroom. Each principal cited personal motivations, often linked to the events of October 7, 2023, or a long-held belief in the importance of altruism and personal example.
Einat Rubin, director of AMIT HaOfek school in Or Akiva, was inspired by the sacrifice of Matan Abardjil, a former student who died saving comrades by shielding them from a grenade. His act of selflessness prompted Rubin to donate a kidney, viewing it as a way to honor his memory and embody the values of mutual aid she teaches. Her school has implemented a "Big Tuesday" initiative for monthly volunteer work.
Meirav Rubin Ben-Menachem, director of NAAMAT technological school in Hadera, decided to donate a kidney after her four children were mobilized for war. Amidst the surrounding darkness and division, she sought to offer hope and a chance at life to someone else, seeing her donation as a personal embodiment of the responsibility and care she instills in her students.
Dubi Arbel, director of Meitarim Branco Weiss school in Ra'anana, was moved to donate after discussing organ donation in class and the death of his neighbor, Sergeant Ofir Yerukhin, who fell on October 9, 2023. Arbel, who was also influenced by his military service and encounters with Holocaust survivors, believes that in critical moments, Israelis unite to give life.
Yoni Pesder, director of Branco Weiss Keshet school in Mazkeret Batya, had long considered donation, viewing volunteering as integral to his identity. A conversation with his reserve unit commander, Hili, who had donated a kidney, and a childhood discussion with his grandfather, Rabbi Avraham Hazan, about posthumous donation solidified his decision.
Amir Sandler, head of the Bnei Akiva Orot Yehuda yeshiva, questioned whether his actions aligned with the values of mutual aid he teaches. His decision to donate a kidney was a response to this self-reflection, believing that a teacher's actions speak louder than words. Uriel Fisher, director of Dvir school in Otniel, also views his donation as a continuation of his principles as a parent and educator, emphasizing the importance of mercy and mutual support in society.
Approximately one in four living kidney donors in Israel is connected to the education sector, highlighting a broader trend of educators leading by example.