Israeli media is awash with the touching tale of how the
son of a Nigerian billionaire braved all odds against him to
donate his kidney to a dying lady he had never met.
The Jerusalem Post in an article titled, ‘The Human Spirit:
Love, Give, Live’, reported that the story of Smith Jadesimi,
son of oil magnate Ladi Jadesimi, resonated in hearts
across the country as an untainted demonstration of
compassion beyond religion and race.
Born in 1987 into the large and prosperous Jadesimi family,
Smith learned the value of supporting charitable causes
from a young age under the tutelage of his strict Anglican
parents.
“Our parents read the Bible with us every morning,” Smith
told Barbara Sofer of The Jerusalem Post, Israel’s foremost
English newspaper. “They stressed the value of love. You
can believe in something, obey the commandments, keep
the Sabbath holy, but love is the greatest motivator.”
The graduate from the University of Pretoria in South Africa
regularly gave generously to humanitarian missions, not
only in Nigeria but also in countries such as the Philippines,
Haiti and Syria, setting aside 70% of his income for charity.
His unusual journey to be a kidney donor in Israel began
when he ‘googled’ the words ‘people who need help’ and
discovered the website of ‘Matnat Chaim’ which literally
means ‘the gift of life’. Reading about the NGO’s unique
kidney donation program in Israel, a chord within Smith’s
heart was struck.
“I figured that God isn’t a fool to give us two kidneys if we
only need one, so we’re supposed to give one away to the
needy,” he said.
Smith’s initial email to the Israeli organisation was met with
scepticism, Rabbi Yeshayahu Heber admitting he felt it was
nothing more than a ploy from the Nigerian to gain entrance
into Israel. However, his unyielding persistence eventually
swayed their views and they invited Smith for a meeting.
The Israeli embassy in Abuja, however, shared similar
cynical sentiments and refused his visa for nearly a year,
only finally giving the go-ahead after several high-profile
meetings.
After undergoing some gruelling medical examinations in
Israel, for which he gave up his tickets at the FIFA World
Cup in Brazil to attend, Smith was told to await
confirmation. Although he received no news for nearly six
more months, his faith remained resolute.
Two long years after beginning his quest to give away a
kidney to an Israeli, Jadesimi was finally accepted. His only
stipulation about the recipient was that he or she be a young
person around his age.
Smith explained that his Christian faith was an instrumental
factor in his decision. As a member of The Synagogue,
Church Of All Nations (SCOAN) in Lagos, Nigeria, he stated
that Prophet T.B. Joshua, well known for his extensive
charitable missions, was also his inspiration.
“Love isn’t just in your heart; you have to do something to
show you love others,“ Smith explained, adding this was a
practical lesson he learned during his time at The SCOAN.
“And not just someone you know, not for selfish reasons -
someone beyond your circle. If you have $10 billion and a
kidney problem, all of your money can’t solve the problem –
only a donor can.”
Omaima Halabi, a 21 year old law student from the Druse
town of Daliat al-Carmel was the lucky lady. She had been
suffering from kidney failure for over 18 months and
depended on dialysis for survival.
The surgery was arranged for December 18 2014 at Haifa’s
Rambam Medical Center. “I wasn’t afraid; it was a mission
with God on my side. I had peace of heart,” Smith recalled
before entering the theatre.
The operation was a resounding success, Halabi given a
new lease of life through the generosity of a young man
from a different continent, culture and colour.
“I’m so grateful – to my donor Smith Jadesimi, to my
family and to Rabbi Heber,” said Omaima Halabi at the
feast held in celebration of her recovery. “This was
certainly arranged in Heaven.”
Smith’s father Ladi Jadesimi is the Executive Chairman of
Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL) and listed
among the ‘10 Nigerian billionaires you’ve probably never
heard of.’ His sister Dr Amy Jadesimi is the managing
director of LADOL and was listed by Forbes as one of
Africa’s ’20 Young Power Women’. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL AND TOUCHING NIGERIAN CELEBRITIES BIOGRAPHY AND SCANDALS
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