Israel has the highest per‑capita rate of living kidney donation in the world.
By Hezy Laing
Israel is recognized as the country with the highest per‑capita rate of living kidney donation in the world, largely thanks to the nonprofit Matnat Chaim (“Gift of Life”), which has facilitated thousands of transplants.
What makes this even more remarkable is the growing number of IDF combat soldiers who have chosen to donate kidneys, sometimes while still serving, sometimes after injury, and sometimes posthumously through their families.
One of the most moving cases occurred in August 2024, when Nir Bergil, whose kidneys had failed, received a transplant from reserve soldier Raphael (Rafi) Tzarfaty.
Rafi had been deeply shaken after carrying the body of hostage Yotam Haim from Gaza.
Inspired by Yotam’s memory and guided by his mother, Iris Haim, Rafi donated his kidney to Nir.
Their emotional meeting symbolized resilience, sacrifice, and the determination to find light in dark times.
Iris asked Nir to continue spreading Yotam’s legacy, showing how tragedy can inspire life‑saving acts and strengthen community bonds.
In October 2024, Israeli media profiled another reservist, known only as Yitzchak, who fought in Gaza for nearly a year after the October 7 attacks.
During a short break from combat, he underwent medical testing, was found to be a match, and donated his kidney to save a civilian before returning to duty.
In 2021, reports revealed that five soldiers from the “Chatzev” (967) reserve battalion donated kidneys, including their commander Maj. (res.) Yedidya Zuckerman, who gave his kidney to a seven‑year‑old boy.
Within six months, two more soldiers joined the circle of donors.
Families of fallen soldiers have also donated organs.
For example, the family of Staff Sgt. Yehonatan Yitzchak Samo (Paratroopers) donated his organs after he was killed in November 2023, saving multiple lives.
Similarly, the organs of Shoham Ben Harush, mortally wounded on October 7, saved five patients.
Israel’s unique culture of altruism has produced dozens of kidney donors among IDF combat soldiers—living, injured, and fallen.
From Rafi Tzarfaty’s donation in memory of Yotam Haim, to Yitzchak’s gift during wartime service, to battalion‑wide records of multiple donors, and families of fallen soldiers donating organs, these acts embody the ethos of defending life on the battlefield and giving life beyond it.
These acts of selflessness have saved dozens of patients, offering them renewed health and hope.
