About a week ago, the late Rabbi Yeshayahu Haber, founder of the "Gift of Life" organization, who rescued 800 kidney patients, died • His widow Rachel: "The loss is hard - but I have faith"

• Rebbetzin Rachel Haber alongside her husband, Rabbi Yeshayahu Zalev // Photo: Haim Meyersduff

"I feel obligated and responsible to continue my husband's life's work," says Rabbinate Rachel Haber, widow of the late Rabbi Yeshayahu Haber, founder and chairman of the Matanat Haim Volunteer Donations Association, who passed away last week at Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem, From the corona virus complications.

Haber (55), a kidney transplant himself, founded "Gift of Life" in 2009, and since then the association has been working to recruit altruistic kidney donors to rescue kidney patients waiting for a transplant. Thanks to the association, 800 "kidney" kidneys have so far been donated, and 800 kidney patients of all ages and sectors have been saved.

In an interview with the "Shabbat" supplement, sitting seven in isolation over her husband - after she and her family also contracted the virus - the bar says: "We are going through a traumatic days. I am at home with my son Nathaniel, my daughter-in-law, my three grandchildren and my youngest daughter Hani. Almost no symptoms. Today I was informed that I may have healed, but the rest of my family is still sick. " 

The Rebbetzin admits that her husband's loss is very difficult for her, but she will continue on his way. "I am a woman of strong faith, and we will have no choice. We will learn to live with his absence. I truly believe that Isaiah completed his mission here. For 55 years he has been able to do what people have not done for 550 years. 

More on:

Rabbi Haber to "Israel Today": "The Greatest Gift a Man Can Give - Life"

"Father of Kidney Donations": Rabbi Isaiah Bar was brought to rest tonight after he died of Corona

The rabbi who saved hundreds of patients through kidney donations - applied in Corona

"He took advantage of his time, was a diligent man who had so much. Everyone hoped he would win this disease, were confident of his victory because of his kindness. At first he seemed to be able to face the physical difficulty but Holy Blessed he wanted another. I will recover, Azor Forces and God-help continue its unique path, which symbolizes love, giving and unity. "

In the article, to be published tomorrow, paramedic Haim Neumann, a kidney donor who volunteers at the association, describes his last moments with the rabbi. Bar's father, Rabbi Zvi Bar (80), also speaks of the unique personality of his late son.