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Life Amidst Death — Lifesaving Heart Transplant at Sheba Medical Center

October 13, 2023

Professor Yael Peled, the medical director of the Heart Transplant Unit at Sheba Medical Center says, “This morning, here at Sheba, a heart transplant took place and there were tears in our eyes. In the midst of the immense pain and loss we all experience these days, a handsome young man who fell while protecting us, the citizens of the country, also saved the lives of 5 more people even after his passing.

We will do everything in our power to preserve his rare contribution for years to come. In these days when we face adversity, Roee, of blessed memory, and his family give us hope. Not only did Roee’s kind heart save the life of our patient, but it also teaches us about the goodness of human beings, generosity, partnership, and love for one another. May his memory be blessed.

In these difficult times, despite the sorrow, we continue to care for our patients without distinction of religion, race, gender or faith, and we strive to save their lives amidst this terrible turmoil. Right now, the teams at Sheba are preparing to save another patient’s life with the help of a rare heart donation.”

Iris, Roee’s mother says, “Roee Nahari, a 23-year-old officer in the 202nd Paratroopers Battalion, was killed on Monday, October 9, 2023, in the rescue and defense of Kfar Aza. Roee was a respected officer, a handsome and courageous man. He grew up in Kibbutz Ura and was a beloved son in a family of six. Roee had a twin brother who served with him in the Paratroopers Brigade, and two younger brothers. Roee studied at Bnei Ayalon School, where he was an excellent student and beloved by his friends. He played basketball.

Roee wanted to enlist in combat units, and despite a sports injury, he persevered. After undergoing a year-long rehabilitation process he enlisted in the Paratroopers. We knew that Roee wanted to donate his organs to save other people, and despite the immense difficulty of this decision, we respected his choice. May his memory be a blessing.”

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