The poor are those who are perhaps weak in physical strength or resources, but even more so, those who are helpless, despondent, broken hearted, and scorned. Such people are often avoided and seen as a burden, but true kindness will consider the plight of the needy and earnestly extend a helping hand of love. This takes thought, time, energy and resources. In our service to women in crisis pregnancies here at Be’ad Chaim, we see many who are poor in love and hope. Our loving counselors uplift them in kindness, mercy, gentleness, compassion, listening and encouragement. They offer them practical support by offering all of the basic baby needs for a full year. Kindness requires consideration: careful attention with a heart that sees people through God’s eyes of mercy. Thank you for your kindness and support!

Blessings,

Sandy

Rebecca & Baby Boy Harel

When Rebecca, twenty years old, discovered that she was pregnant, she was confused. She had been using drugs heavily and led a very promiscuous lifestyle. She had no idea who was the baby’s father. She had left her ultraorthodox family at a young age and grown up in boarding schools. She often felt that no one cared about her. Rebecca thought it would be best to abort her baby because she was alone and perhaps the drugs would harm the baby. Our counselor, Miriam, cared about her and showed her kindness—first listening, then giving Rebecca hope and courage. Miriam showed her the kindness and compassion that she needed to choose life. Rebecca stopped smoking, drinking and using drugs. Miraculously, her mother received her back at home with love. Rebecca took control of her life and turned over a new leaf because she realized that she now had a little life growing inside her. Rebecca’s son is now four months old. We provided her with baby furniture and gift vouchers through the generosity of kind donors. Rebecca commented that she “didn’t know people could be so kind and generous to strangers.” Miriam’s kindness melted Rebecca’s scarred, hardened heart and produced a soft heart that chose life for her son, a son who changed her life.

LETTER FROM A NEW MOTHER IN A HOTEL, EVACUATED IN OCTOBER 2023

In conjunction with the Jerusalem municipality, Be’ad Chaim continues to support over a hundred new mothers living for the past seventeen months in hotels. A representative of the mothers wrote:

Lilach Centers (our name for the Israeli public): You supported us during the most difficult period of our lives, when we had to leave our homes and moved to Jerusalem pregnant! Your support gives us strength and faith for the future. Thank you so much from all of the mothers, residents who were evacuated from Kiryat Shmona.

SNEAK PREVIEW

We’ve begun preparing our 2025-2026 gorgeous baby calendars. The theme this year is flowers in the Bible, each baby representing the beauty of new life. Enjoy these photos of a few of our adorable babies:

MEETINGS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

In our Jerusalem office, we invite mothers for a monthly brunch and lecture or activity. Because we celebrated the Purim holiday this month, our guest speaker encouraged the moms from the book of Esther. Three valuable key points were:

• Have self-respect and set boundaries; don’t be afraid to say “no”.
• Be faithful to your core values.
• Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather taking action despite fear.

The mothers could relate these points to their own experiences. When we asked if anyone wanted to share, Sima told us her remarkable story:

Sima and Baby Netanel Shalom

Sima and her husband had been separated for an entire year and had begun divorce proceedings. They couldn’t agree on financial aspects so the process was delayed. Finally, they went back to the rabbinical court to finalize, but Sima had an inkling to do a pregnancy test first just to be sure. She was amazed when the test came back positive! She and her husband agreed to reconcile and work on their marriage. They named their son Netanel Shalom meaning God gave us peace! The baby restored their marriage. They are now in counseling and doing well. Sima had grown up in a divorced family and didn’t want to repeat the pattern, but didn’t know how to break the cycle. Little Netanel Shalom was the catalyst for reconciliation and renewed commitment.

THE BE’AD CHAIM BABIES IN ASHKELON ARE DRESSED UP FOR PURIM!

Bracha and Baby Girl Roni

Bracha is thirty-three years old. She had an extremely difficult childhood and was one of seventeen children. She suffered abuse and violence physically, mentally and sexually. She was removed from home and sent to a boarding school. She and her husband were living in Sderot, with their four-year-old daughter until the events of October 7th happened. Living so close to the border with Gaza was terrifying. Bracha suffered from panic attacks and anxiety and is now being treated by a psychiatrist. Bracha was taking anti-depressant medication when she discovered that she was pregnant. They hadn’t been planning to have another baby and her husband is often away doing reserve duty in the army. Bracha called our hotline while seeking an abortion, but, after speaking with our compassionate counselor, chose to continue her pregnancy. She said she didn’t feel so alone. Bracha gave birth to her sweet daughter Roni in January. Her husband was with her for the birth as he had been allowed to come home from reserve duty. Through our Operation Moses Project, they received a baby bed, stroller, and bath tub prior to birth and will continue to receive monthly gift cards to purchase baby needs until Roni’s first birthday. Bracha is continuing her treatment both with a psychiatrist and a psychologist. She still suffers from fear and anxiety. However, she can’t believe that she ever considered having an abortion when she looks at her precious daughter.

She wrote a beautiful note which says:

“To my donor and to Be’ad Chaim,

First, I want to thank you for the blessed work you are doing. Thank you for giving hope to so many families. I would like to thank my dear counselor Oxana who knew how to say the right words at just the right time. Thank you for the sense of security and the strength that you have given me and for making me feel that I wasn’t alone. Giving birth to our sweet princess is the best thing that I have ever done in my life! Thank you for the furniture you gave me, and for the monthly vouchers. They really help and make my life easier. Thank you for your care and support. A HUGE THANK YOU to all those who support you at Be’ad Chaim and to your dear donors.”

Tina and Baby Boy Oram

Oram is a happy little guy who has brought only blessings to his family since his birth one year ago. His mom Tina wrote: “Praise God my son Oram is amazing and wonderful! He can walk already and everybody loves him so much. He goes to daycare where he has settled in well. His favorite food is bananas, but he also likes bread and ‘shwarma’ (grilled meat). We are not religious people, but it was a MIRACLE that I continued my pregnancy despite my fear and the pressure that I felt from my family. My husband supports me in whatever I decide, so I have gone back to work. We are very happy and so glad we made the right decision.” When Tina told her parents that she was pregnant, they put a lot of pressure on her to get married to her boyfriend, which is what they did. Despite this happening sooner than they would have liked, they love each other and do not regret their decision. They have a gorgeous baby and are very happy. Sometimes people say that “a story has a happy ending”, but this story is really a happy beginning for a new family filled with love, joy and unity!

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