The Benevolent Builder: Rabbi Semah Levy Kadi a.h.

By: Pnina Souid

A festive and celebratory aura filled the air at the first “Ambassadors of Renewal” reception, honoring kidney donors, their sponsors and their family members.

Earlier this year, Community Magazine readers followed the story of Ronen and his ultimate success in finding and receiving a kidney, which was donated by Tomer Naftali under the auspices of the Renewal organization.

On the evening of May 15^th, Tomer, along with many other donors – both men and women, from all walks of life and all backgrounds – gathered at the Renaissance Hall in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn for the unforgettable event.

Mendy Reiner founded Renewal five years ago to help patients searching for live kidney donors. He announced to applause that in just five years, the organization has facilitated 150 transplants all over the world.

The evening began with one word emphatically spoken by Mr. Yossi Leiber, who came up to the podium and exclaimed, “Wow!” He explained that 13 years ago he went with his wife, under the cover of night, to a hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, where she was to receive a kidney transplant. They felt alone and ashamed. That is no longer necessary. Now there is Renewal.

Another address was delivered by community member Zac Gindi of Deal, who personally recruits donors, raises money and has himself donated a kidney.

Renewal is currently searching for a kidney donor with blood type A or O for a 12-year-old girl from the Sephardic-Syrian Jewish Community. To see if you qualify to be a donor, or for more information about Renewal, call Menachem Friedman at 718.431.9831. – Pnina Souid