Four Israelis Get Sight Thanks To Corneas From Slain Yaniv Brothers

After the unfortunate passing of brothers Yagel and Hillel Yaniv last week, their parents gave their kids corneas to perform one final deed of kindness before they passed away.

One of Israel’s largest hospitals, Beilinson Hospital, which specializes in transplants, performed four cornea transplants on four patients, effectively restoring their vision.

“Corneal transplantation is a medical procedure that brings together two worlds: one of loss and mourning, and the other of the recipients’ delight and joy at regaining their vision.

This is one occasion that fosters a sense of cohesion, friendliness, and unrestricted generosity in every one of us. According to Prof. Irit Behar, Director of the Ophthalmology Department at Beilinson Medical Center, “the family’s moral decision at the exact moment of their misfortune is quite moving.

“Each recipient had waited more than a year for a corneal transplant. The Yaniv family’s eyesight has been restored due to their generosity, and their son’s legacy is carried on by the lives they have touched, she continued.

“Tami Fink, the hospital’s transplant coordinator, was waiting for the family when I called. It is challenging to approach a family and ask for organ donation from parents who have lost a child, and it becomes even more complicated when there have been two losses.

According to Dr. Tamar Ashkenazi, director of the National Transplant Center, this is a unique and extraordinarily challenging circumstance.

“I feel susceptible. I had not anticipated this at all. What a strong family; I can’t wait to meet them just to hug them, said Ziona Salzberg, a donor-recipient from Migdal Haemek, who is 68.

“When this horrible occurrence occurred, I glanced at the television and noticed their stunning, large blue eyes. In my wildest thoughts, I never believed that it would be because of these young men that I could see again. I am incredibly grateful for what they and their family did, said donor recipient Ron Carmeli, age 66.

“We were thrilled to learn about Hillel and Yagel’s cornea transplants this morning. Hillel and Yagel’s parents, Masati and Shalom Yaniv issued a statement on their behalf wishing the beneficiaries a speedy recovery and the ability to experience the goodness and joy in life that they did.