Wounded soldier who received cornea from fallen soldier meets donor’s parents

The parents of Sgt. First Class Guy Ludar, a soldier of the Commando Brigade’s Maglan Unit who fell in Lebanon on April 3, met for the first time with Lt. Shily Leibovitch, a Golani Brigade soldier who was wounded in Lebanon and received Loder’s cornea transplant at Rabin Medical Center (Beilinson), the hospital says.

Leibovitch, 22, a team commander in the Golani Reconnaissance Unit, was injured in both eyes during operational activity in Lebanon about two months ago. He underwent four surgeries and suffered severe damage to the retina and cornea in his right eye.

“Friends from Guy’s unit told me that Guy was a smiling, joyful person who influenced so many people, and that everyone close to him carried a little piece of Guy with them through life,” says Leibovitch. “I was given the privilege of receiving the light of his eyes. I’m honored to be the one who continues his light in this world, and I hope to do so in the best way possible.”

Dr. Assaf Dotan, head of the hospital’s retina unit, says, “Shily’s vision has improved thanks to Guy’s cornea donation. He still faces a long road to full recovery, but the act of the Ludar family gives both us and Shily the hope and strength to continue treatment. Shily, until now you fought for us. Now we will fight for your vision.”