“Life News” – that’s the name of the newsletter from Be’ad Chaim, a CSI-supported aid organization that advises and supports women with unwanted pregnancies. But since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, there has unfortunately also been much sad news to report.
By Anja Weippert and Be'ad Chaim
“The goal of Be’ad Chaim is to protect mothers and children and to share the love of Almighty God with them,” writes Sandy Shoshani, National Director of Be’ad Chaim in Israel, in her November newsletter. But now, she adds, they are no longer just fighting for the lives of the unborn. “Today we are fighting to protect the lives of our nation.”
An already demanding task is now requiring even more of the staff at Be'ad Chaim. Oxana, a caregiver in Be'er Sheva, reports on the extremely difficult situations faced by the women and their children she supports.
Take Katrina, for example. She has a two-year-old child with a disability and a baby. Whenever the air raid siren sounds—which happens frequently—she has to run across the street with both children to the nearest air raid shelter. The two-year-old doesn't understand what's happening and is traumatized; often she won't budge, even though every minute counts. Many children feel sick when the sirens wail.
Oxana, who has a family herself, is often at her breaking point. She reports that she cries and prays a lot – and experiences how God gives her new strength. Psalm 130:7 is her anchor during this time: “O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for the Lord’s love is unfailing; salvation is complete.”
Sad news
Some things these days are hard to bear. Fatma was one of the Be'ad Chaim mothers. She gave birth to nine children, the oldest nine years old, the youngest six months. When the Hamas attack on Israel began, she was on her way to work with her husband and youngest child. Shortly after their arrival, they encountered terrorists. They immediately opened fire, and Fatma was hit. Her husband managed to escape with the baby. Fatma's body wasn't found for a long time, so the family hoped to find her among the wounded. But their hope was bitterly disappointed when her body was recovered three days later.
Be'ad Chaim's work continues. Pregnant women and young mothers are—now more than ever—dependent on its support and guidance, even though the work is more challenging for the volunteers. Sandy Shoshani writes to all of Be'ad Chaim's supporters: “I am infinitely grateful (…) for your prayers, with which you stand up for the people of Israel. I cannot thank you enough for your love, encouragement, and faithfulness. May the Lord richly bless you.”
As Christians standing with Israel, we support the work of Be'ad Chaim. Will you help us encourage women to embrace life? By sponsoring a baby, you will contribute to ensuring its basic needs are met during its first year.
