Organ Donation from 4-Year-Old Arbel Saves Four Patients Including Rare Domino Liver Transplant

Arbel Uri Hoffman, a 4-year-old girl from Tekuma, tragically died following severe injuries sustained in a car accident near the Shorak and Kiryat Gat interchanges about two weeks ago. After her death was confirmed last week at the hospital, her parents chose to donate her organs. This decision enabled three pediatric transplants and a rare "domino" liver transplant, ultimately saving four lives.

The donated organs included a liver transplanted into a 10-year-old girl with a metabolic disease, and two kidneys transplanted into 14-year-old boy and girl siblings. All three pediatric surgeries were performed at Schneider Children's Medical Center. The liver recipient’s original liver, though unsuitable for her own body, remained functional and was transplanted in a domino procedure to a 44-year-old woman at Beilinson Medical Center, who was medically and physically compatible.

Dr. Tamar Ashkenazi, director of the National Transplant Center, explained that domino liver transplants require precise coordination and matching due to their complexity and rarity. She expressed relief that a suitable recipient was found and the procedure was successful.

Arbel’s parents, Yaakov and Hila Hoffman, shared that their decision to donate was driven by a wish for Arbel’s light to continue shining and positively impacting others after her passing. They described Arbel as a kind-hearted child who always sought to help and love those around her, calling her the "sun" of their family and community.