The Blogs: When, Not If | Jonathan Nierman

Jonathan Nierman, a heart transplant recipient, describes his decision to dedicate his life to helping bereaved families in Israel after the October 7, 2023 attacks. He now leads the US work of The Koby Mandell Foundation, which supports families who have lost loved ones. The essay reflects on gratitude, responsibility, and the concept of 'L'dor v'dor' (from generation to generation).

Jonathan Nierman, a heart transplant recipient, recounts his experience of watching the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel from a hospital bed in Boston, where he was waiting for a heart transplant. He made a decision then to dedicate his life to helping those affected. After receiving a transplant, he now leads the US work of The Koby Mandell Foundation, which for 25 years has supported bereaved families in Israel, including parents who have lost children, children who have lost parents, widows, widowers, and siblings. The foundation was built by Seth and Sherri Mandell after their son Koby was murdered. Nierman reflects on a prayer he reads daily, which calls for gratitude, compassion, and the responsibility to use his second chance purposefully. The article is a personal essay about turning loss into obligation and the concept of 'L'dor v'dor' (from generation to generation).