The family of an Israeli soldier who was killed last week in a drive-by shooting in Samaria has donated his corneas to two people, saving their eyesight, Israeli media reported.
The recipients, both in their 80s, “Were moved to tears when they heard about the identity of the donor,” Walla reported.
Baruch was securing a civilian march near Shavei Shomron in northern Samaria when he was shot from a moving vehicle. He was evacuated to Meir Medical Center in Kfar Saba, where he succumbed to his wounds.
He was laid to rest in his home city of Gedera, south of Tel Aviv, last Wednesday. JNS
Isn’t this Assur?
Obviously they arent frum. But why should this be more Assur than donating kidneys?
Kidney are donated while the person is alive. But the body of a Meis is Asdur Behanaah
actually it is less problematic. There is no issue with “cerebral death” as corneas can be taken after cardiocirculatory and respiratory arrest. Halachic issues still arise.
Cornea donations are not so simple that they are assur. Less than a kazyis of a meis may be mutter according to some opinions (who otherwise hold that organ donations are assur)
Ask your LOR
The only problem with organ donation is if they hasten the person’s death to get the organs.
In this case it was not assur because the donor was deceased.
In the case of kidney donations, the donor stays alive after donating his/her kidney so there is no issur.
I am so moved my this act of kindness
Baruch dayan haemes