Amichai Fought Until His Last Breath- And Saved Six Lives After His Death

JERUSALEM (VINnews) — Amichai Rubin’s heroic final actions saved the lives of many soldiers in his base, but even after death, the decision by his parents to donate his organs led to six other people’s lives being saved by Rubin.

Amichai (23), the son of Yishai and Batya from Akko, was stationed at a front-line base near the Gaza border. When the rocket attacks started, all the soldiers ran to the safe room but were not armed for battle. When the terrorists entered the base there was no organized resistance until Amichai charged and started to shoot back at them. A prolonged battle ensued in which Amichai was injured in the leg and then shot in the head. Despite this, he continued fighting, holding off the terrorists from perpetrating a massacre like in other bases, until he collapsed and was taken to hospital.

Amichai died a few days later without regaining consciousness, but his organs were all fit to be used. The liver was transplanted into the body of a 23-year-old who has a metabolic problem, Maple Syrup Urine Disease, which prevents his body from processing amino acids. The youth, Aviel Uzan, was in severe danger, but his liver was functioning and could be used to help others. Thus, the domino operation began, as Aviel received Amichai’s liver and then his liver was transplanted into Kosinar Armand (63) who required a liver transplant after contracting Hepatitis C.

The two transplant patients are now recovering in Ichilov hospital.

Another part of Amichai’s liver was used at the Schneider Medical Center to save the life of 8-year-old Refael, who required an urgent transplant. The soldier’s lungs were given to a 70-year-old man, one of his kidneys was transplanted into a 7-year-old girl and another in a 29-year-old woman. Thus the hero in his lifetime stayed a hero even after his death, continuing to save the lives of six more people.