The father of a Palestinian boy shot dead by Israeli soldiers has donated his son's organs to Israelis waiting for transplants.


Ahmed Ismail Khatib died Saturday in an Israeli hospital. (AP Photo)
Ismail Khatib said the spirit of his 12-year-old son Ahmed is now alive in every Israeli and that he's proud of his decision.

He said he understands some Palestinians may be angered by the move.

"No one can tell me what to do," Khatib told the Associated Press. "I feel very good that my son's organs are helping six Israelis ... I feel that my son has entered the heart of every Israeli."

Ahmed was shot during a raid in Jenin. Israeli troops said he was carrying a toy rifle and they mistook him for a militant.

He died of his wounds late Saturday at an Israeli hospital.

His kidneys, liver, lungs and heart were transplanted to recipients, ranging in age from a seven-month-old baby to a 58-year-old woman. Those who received organs included Jews, Arabs and a Druze girl.

Khatib said his decision was made in part by experiences with his brother, who died at the age of 24 while waiting for a liver transplant. He said it's his family's desire to help others regardless of their nationality.

"We're talking about young children. Their religion doesn't make a difference," he said.

Israel has a chronic shortage of donor organs. Medical officials attribute it to Jewish religious taboos against such donations.

Khatib said he received a call from Israel's acting finance minister, Ehud Olmer, who apologized for the boy's death and invited him to Jerusalem. Khatib said he had not decided whether to accept the offer.

But I think it's ok to post something positive every now and then??

err...you know that's not what I meant.

It's a good sign that he didn't prevent his prejudices from his decision

Yeah, I know. We shouldn't get into political discussions.

Just so as long as every member can avoid any form of belligerence, which I assume we're all smart enough never to do.

Dude. You need a girlfriend.

here's your second opinion:

don't check with wifey or as they say on AVSForum "WAF" (Wife approval factor?). Just go out and get one

lotta married folk around here. this might be why this forum is so well behaved, although JamesBond007 is acting like those naughty uncles. now i'm doubting if there are any bachelors here? other than izzy and arsh? unless ofcourse izzy and arsh are engaged to be married, and they are holding out on us

izzy and arsh are engaged to be married

She "will love you long time".