Tel Aviv University announced that the world’s first spinal cord transplant will take place in Israel, a medical breakthrough that could allow patients with paralysis to walk again.
The Jerusalem Post recently reported:
Israel is preparing to perform the first-ever human spinal cord implant using a patient’s own cells.
The surgery, expected in the coming months, will take place in Israel and marks a historic milestone in regenerative medicine. Currently, spinal cord injuries cannot be fully cured, so treatment focuses on stabilizing the patient, preventing further damage, and maximizing function. Emergency care often involves immobilizing the spine, reducing inflammation, and sometimes performing surgery to repair fractures or relieve pressure.
Unlike other tissues, spinal cord neurons cannot naturally regenerate, and over time, scar tissue blocks remaining signals. The new procedure aims to replace the damaged section with a lab-grown spinal cord that fuses with healthy tissue above and below the injury. Animal studies in rats have shown remarkable results, with the animals regaining the ability to walk normally.
The innovation began about three years ago, when Dvir’s lab engineered a personalized three-dimensional human spinal cord in the laboratory. The findings, published in the peer-reviewed journal Advanced Science, showed that mice with chronic paralysis regained mobility after receiving the engineered implants.
The procedure begins with blood cells from the patient, which are reprogrammed into stem-cell-like cells capable of becoming any cell type. Fat tissue is also collected to create a custom hydrogel scaffold, into which the stem-like cells develop into a spinal cord structure. This engineered tissue is then implanted, replacing scarred areas and reconnecting the nervous system.
A few months ago, Prof. Dvir and his team received preliminary approval from Israel’s Ministry of Health for “compassionate use” trials in eight patients, making Israel the first country to attempt this procedure. “This is undoubtedly a matter of national pride. The technology was developed here in Israel, at Tel Aviv University and at Matricelf, and from the very beginning it was clear to us that the first-ever surgery would be performed in Israel, with an Israeli patient,” Dvir said.
I often highlight the world’s relentless fixation on standing against Israel as anti-Semitism continues to rise all around us—with little being done to stop the hatred. This article is different. I am happy to instead share with you a very positive story of an amazing accomplishment coming out of Israel, achieved by our Jewish friends.
This isn’t the only remarkable accomplishment, but one of many wonderful contributions that Israel has given to the world. Since 1901, roughly 1,000 Nobel Prizes have been awarded, and over 200 laureates have been Jewish, recognized for contributions in physics, chemistry, medicine, physiology, literature, peace, economics, and so forth.
Israel and the Jewish people have indeed been a blessing to the world, just as God promised Abraham some 4,000 years ago in Genesis 12:2: “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing.” In the following verse, we read about the ultimate blessing, which is that all the nations of the earth would be blessed through Israel’s Messiah.
The Jewish population of the world is approximately 15.5 million—less than 1% of the world’s 8 billion population—and yet that tiny percentage of people have received over 20% of the Nobel Prizes. In contrast, the Muslim population of the world is 2 billion, and only around 14 recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize have been Muslim. One Nobel Peace Prize shamefully went to Yasser Arafat, who did nothing to bring peace, but instead promoted his demonic hate for Israel!
Once again, the Jewish people are living proof that God and His Word are real, trustworthy, and true; you can trust the Bible and trust God with all your heart.
Why not thank the Jewish people the next time you have an opportunity? Most importantly, thank God for Israel, as they have been a blessing to the world! God has promised and enabled them to make the world a better place for all of us.
