Palestinian girl gets kidney from Jewish seminary student

JERUSALEM -- A Palestinian girl received a kidney from a young Scottish student killed in Thursday's suicide bombing -- saving her life, officials said Sunday.

Yasmin Abu Ramila, 7, a Palestinian from east Jerusalem, had been on a transplant waiting list and undergoing dialysis treatment for almost two years.

A suitable donor became available when Jonathan Jesner, 19, a Jewish seminary student from Scotland, died on Friday, a day after he was wounded when a Palestinian suicide bomber blew up a bus in Tel Aviv. Six Israelis were killed, including the seminary student, The bomber also died.

"The family is very proud that (Jonathan) was able to give life to others," said Ari Jesner, the victim's brother. The most important principle "is that life was given to another human being. I think its unimportant what religion, what nationality."

During two years of violence, more than 250 Israelis have been killed in more than 70 Palestinian suicide bombing attacks.

Abu Ramila was in a stable condition following the transplant operation of Saturday night, hospital spokeswoman Riva Shaked said.

"I don't know what to say to thank the family of the man killed in the attack," the Maariv daily quoted Abu Ramila's mother, Rina, as saying. "I grieve for their loss and thank them for their donation."

Jesner came to Israel last year to study at a seminary for a year. He decided to extend his stay and put off medical school for a year, relatives said. After medical school, Jesner hoped to return to Israel.

Jesner was buried in Jerusalem on Friday.

Ari Jesner said the family had no plans to meet with the recipient's family now "We are glad their daughter was able to be saved," he said. "Life here is a bit of a lottery."