A teen's worthy message

If there was ever a story that demonstrates the value of human life held by Jewish tradition, it is that of the recent donation of a kidney from the victim of a terrorist attack to a Palestinian girl.

Yoni Jesner, 19, was one of six people killed and more than 60 injured in a bus bombing in Tel-Aviv Sept. 19. It was Jesner's desire to donate his organs in the event of his death and his family fully supported his wish. They made no conditions of where the organs would go and were not concerned when the recipient turned out to be Jasmin Abu Ramela, a seven-year-old girl from the West Bank.

At a press conference after the story was made public, Yoni's brother Ari said that Arab and Jewish doctors work side by side treating patients of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds without discrimination; what was important was being able to save lives. The family was "happy in the knowledge that he gave life to others," Ari said.

Though this story has made international news, its fate should not be that of being relegated to the old-newspaper pile or the recyling bin. Its powerful message should be repeated the world over and it should be clipped, photocopied and mailed to all those who believe that Israel and Israelis want to destroy the Arab population.

The story of a people is often heard in the voice of an individual. That voice, ironically, came from one who will never speak again.