EFRAT C.R.I.B. (The Committee for the Rescue of Israel’s Babies) marked an extraordinary milestone on June 18 with the grand opening of its Bayit Cham, a shelter for pregnant women, nestled within its brand-new premises in Jerusalem. This momentous occasion was attended by a large crowd of well-wishers, including esteemed guests, who joined the cherished family of EFRAT’s dynamic founder, the unforgettable Dr. Eli Schussheim, z”l.
The date of the event, 29 Sivan, carried special significance, marking the second yahrzeit of Dr. Schussheim, a visionary loved by all. For over four decades he dedicated his life to empowering pregnant mothers in distress, offering them economic assistance, counseling and unwavering support in their journey to avert abortion, complete their pregnancy and raise their precious babies.
With its new premises and the introduction of Bayit Cham, a pleasantly designed apartment managed by senior social worker Cintia Beinischis Remeny, EFRAT has expanded its range of services. In addition to providing professional counseling, medical consultations and comprehensive assistance for the first two years of a baby’s life, the organization has initiated a groundbreaking project that empowers women to pursue fulfilling careers, enabling them to support their children with dignity.
The event’s emcee, Executive Director Nir Salomon, shared a remarkable achievement: EFRAT has rescued over 84,000 babies to date. “Can anyone fathom the profound impact this has had on Israeli society?” he asked. “This number accounts for the direct impact on babies and mothers. If we consider the countless women indirectly influenced through Dr. Shussheim’s lectures and EFRAT’s activities, the true number soars into the hundreds of thousands.”
Chief Rabbi Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Yosef, Shlita, affixed the mezuzah, visibly moved by the occasion. His heartfelt blessing was bestowed upon the organization and CEO Chagai Goldschmidt, urging them to continue their life-saving work, fostering the growth of am Yisrael, and bringing more Jewish souls into the world.
The event was attended by MKs from across the spectrum of Israeli politics, including charedi MKs Rabbi Yisrael Eichler and former Beit Shemesh Mayor Moshe Aboutbul; Likud MK Keti Shitrit and even Yesh Atid MK Tanya Mazarsky. While all speakers endorsed EFRAT’s outstanding work with genuine enthusiasm, Mazarsky’s participation and warm words of support served as a testament to EFRAT as a powerful unifying force that transcends political and social boundaries.
Rabbi Eichler, a close friend of the Schussheim family since EFRAT’s inception, praised Mrs. Shoshana Schussheim, recalling the organization’s humble beginnings within the Schussheim apartment. He stated, “All that we see here at EFRAT—it is all hers.” Rabbi Eichler emphasized Dr. Schussheim’s close relationship with several Gedolei Yisrael, serving as their personal physician. Notably, the Belzer Rebbe, one of Dr. Schussheim’s patients, considered him a loyal chassid. Rabbi Eichler added that Dr. Schussheim davened every Yom Kippur at the central Belzer shul in Yerushalayim where he was always honored with an aliyah.
Chana Reuven, a past recipient of EFRAT, captivated the audience with her inspiring journey. Reuven has transformed her life, becoming a motivational speaker and life coach while pursuing her master’s degree. With her 10-year-old son at her side, whose very presence elicited enthusiastic applause, She took a heartfelt moment to express her profound gratitude to EFRAT, with special mention of head social worker Ruthy Tidar. Reuven shared, “EFRAT was there for me during the most challenging period of my life when I found myself pregnant, alone and with nowhere to turn. Not only have they shaped me into the person I am today, but without EFRAT, I would not have my precious Yair, the true light of my life.”
