President Reuven Rivlin’s wife, Nechama, is recuperating following a lung transplant at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva on Sunday night.

The President’s Residence said her condition was stable.

For the family of 19-year-old Yair Yechezkel Halbali however there is heartache after he drowned in a swimming tragedy in Eilat last Friday.

Divers attempted CPR but the teenager was pronounced dead on Sunday.

His organs have been donated to six other people.

“Yair loved the sea, loved nature, loved to study, explore and broaden his horizons,” said his sister, Amit, who added that it was important to save lives.

“I would like Nechama and Reuven to know that they were given a great gift, that Yair’s light and courage will propel all the transplants and strengthen them,” she said.

“Mrs Rivlin is a strong woman and has high potential for survival despite her advanced age,” said Prof Mordechai Kramer, head of Pulmonary Medicine.

“Nechama has very good prospects, but the road ahead is still long,” added Prof Dan Aravot, Director of Beilinson Cardiothoracic Surgery Center.

By Leah Waxler