Elisheva was 34 years old when she became pregnant for the third time. She and her husband, Zvi, faced an uncertain future after two abortions and a difficult diagnosis. But then, thanks to the aid organization Be'ad Chaim, they found hope and support amidst the challenges of the post-October 7th war. Read Elisheva's inspiring story and learn how baby sponsorships can help people make courageous choices.
By Hannah Bartholomew
Elisheva and her husband Zvi never wanted children and had already undergone two abortions. After her second abortion, doctors told Elisheva that she had a condition that would make it difficult for her to become pregnant again. Therefore, she decided to forgo further contraception and have the IUD removed. Shortly afterward, Elisheva became pregnant again and was once more faced with the question of whether or not she wanted to carry the baby to term. Her husband was also uncertain.
In this situation, they heard about Be'ad Chaim, an aid organization supported byChristians on the Side of Israel (CSI) , which provides counseling and support to women experiencing unwanted pregnancies. Elisheva and Zvi contacted them for advice. After several conversations with a counselor from Be'ad Chaim, they both began to accept the idea of becoming parents. They were enrolled in the "Operation Moses" project, which provided them with a crib and sheets, a baby bathtub, and a stroller shortly before the birth. They were also promised monthly vouchers for a whole year to purchase the many other essential items they would need for their baby.
New challenges
Elisheva's pregnancy progressed smoothly. But then, in the middle of her pregnancy, war broke out with Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Because they lived very close to the Gaza Strip, Elisheva and her husband frequently had to flee to the air-raid shelter when rockets hit their city. Elisheva feared for her life and that of her unborn baby. As soon as the shelling subsided enough for them to leave their apartment, they sought safety.
A month before the birth, the couple was able to return to their apartment in Kiryat Gat. On March 31, 2024, Elisheva gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. The birth went very well, and the young mother was incredibly excited and happy to hold her baby in her arms. The girl weighed just under three kilograms, and her parents chose the name Agam. It means "lake" and symbolizes the tranquility of the water.
Elisheva finds motherhood difficult, as it brings great responsibility. But she is so glad that she turned to Be'ad Chaim and made what she now considers the right decision for her baby's life. Like so many others, she still suffers from the trauma of war, but she is receiving treatment from a psychiatrist for her anxiety.
In a thank-you letter to Be'ad Chaim, Elisheva writes: “The decision to give birth to Agam was very difficult because I was so afraid of being a mother. When I spoke with the counselor and found a sympathetic ear and a wonderful, caring advisor in her, I decided to continue on my path and give birth to the baby. I would like to thank all the donors and Be'ad Chaim from the bottom of my heart for providing such loving and humble help to everyone who needs it.”
By sponsoring a CSI baby, you can help women and their partners in Israel choose life for their unborn children. Find out more here.
