* Translated by Janine Muller Sherr
A Guinness world record has been broken in Israel, a record of generosity and kindness. Tonight 2,000 kidney donors posed for a group photo at Binyanei HaUma (International Convention Center) in Jerusalem at the largest gathering of organ donors in history.
Here are three takeaways from this incredible event:
1) “On our way to donor 3,000!” This was the slogan chosen by Rabbanit Rachel Haber, co-founder and chairwoman of the organization Matnat Chaim (Gift of Life), for this special commemorative evening. But it is more than a slogan; it’s a mindset. Not only is she celebrating 2,000 kidney donations–a world record—but she is already focused on her next goal.
2) “Not everyone needs to donate a kidney,” Rabbanit Haber told the audience tonight, “but everyone can give something from their body. They can lend an ear to someone in distress; smile at someone with their mouth; lend a hand to help a friend, or use their arms to hug them. The point is not that all of us should become kidney donors but that we should live with the awareness that every one of the limbs given to us by our Creator is designed to do good, all the time.”
3) I took a moment to examine this photo more closely. I encourage you to do the same because it can act as a buffer against the images and opinions we are bombarded with day after day. The media is constantly trying to drive a wedge between us. This is always the goal but their efforts are ramped up during an election year. The truth is that the most meaningful “election” already took place: 2,000 Israelis chose to donate a part of their bodies to save the lives of brothers and sisters whom they have never met but with whom they share a deep soul connection. Moreover, the modest and energetic woman behind this special evening, who is already focused on recruiting thousands of future kidney donors, is a Charedi Rebbetzin.
So don’t allow yourself to be influenced by all the rhetoric and brainwashing. Instead, take a closer look at this picture. It is the true picture of who we really are.
