BDE Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Heber, Founder of Matnat Chaim

BDE Rabbi Avraham Yeshayahu Heber

Rabbi Heber was the founder and director of the organization Matnat Chaim which facilitated kidney transplants for those in need. The organization recently celebrated the 800th transplant. 

"Matnat Chaim is an Israeli non-profit dedicated to encouraging healthy volunteers to donate kidneys to patients who require a transplant. None of the kidney donors receive monetary compensation for their donation and most are altruistic donors who do not know their recipients prior to the procedure. The organization functions on a not-for-profit basis; the sole motivation of our volunteers is their desire to help others and save lives." 

https://kilya.org.il/en/

Rabbi Heber himself was a recipient of a kidney transplant and had been ill for about two weeks.

Mayor Aliza Bloch: "This is an evening of sadness at the tragic death of Rabbi Heber who helped to save 821 lives. Only a few months ago, I participated in a special Shabbat sponsored by Matnat Chaim and learned of the work of this wonderful organization. Each time a resident of Beit Shemesh would donate a kidney thru the work on Matnat Chaim, I would recieve a message from Rabbi Heber telling me how important it was to recognize these special people." 

"We send our condolences to the family of the Rabbi, our hearts cry out at this heavy loss."