August 2026 Newsletter

Sharon Marcus served as a faithful counselor with Be’ad Chaim for twenty-five years, first in Haifa and then in Jerusalem. Hers was a life defined by service, kindness, mercy, and compassion. Over the course of her years with us, she saved approximately 700 babies.

Although we began the Operation Moses Program in 2006, the first baby listed in our system was born in January 2007. Since that time, 629 mothers who received compassion and care have been registered in our records under Sharon’s name. And she helped several of these mothers with multiple children. Hundreds and hundreds of children are alive today because of Sharon’s faithful, self-sacrificing care. As I read the names of all the mothers whom Sharon tenderly cared for, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and wonder. On numerous occasions, Sharon would come into my office and fervently tell me, “We have to do more to help…” She was a fierce protector of needy mothers and their newborns, always looking for ways to ease their heavy burdens.

Sharon was also a cornerstone of knowledge for our team, training many of us—including myself—in essential counseling skills. Whenever a medical question arose, she researched tirelessly until she could provide the most accurate, comprehensive information. She constantly encouraged and trained our staff to maintain clear, organized records, ensuring we remained deeply faithful in our relationships with every pregnant woman and new mother.

In this newsletter, it is a profound joy to share photos of some of the many babies whose lives were spared from abortion because of Sharon’s persistence and love. I called two women who were particularly close to her and heard how much they appreciated her and valued her help.

In Hebrew, when someone passes away, we say “yehi zichra mevurach” - may her memory be blessed. Surely, the hundreds of children alive today, some of whom are already twenty-five years old, stand as a living testimony to the blessed memory of Sharon’s beautiful, well-lived life.

With deep gratitude for Sharon’s life, and for the many wonderful people who serve and partner with us to save lives,

Sandy

Erica and Baby Boy Benzi

When Erica first arrived as a new immigrant, she faced the daunting challenge of navigating a new country alone as a divorcée, only to soon discover she was pregnant. In that vulnerable moment, Sharon stepped in, spending countless hours chatting with Erica, listening to her heart, and pouring continuous encouragement into her life.

In April 2008, her beautiful son, Benzi, was born, quickly becoming Be’ad Chaim’s beloved "poster baby.” Erica’s talents shone brightly as she stepped up to help design some of our advertising campaigns. Over the years, their bond continued. Erica warmly invited Sharon to share in her life's greatest milestones, from her wedding to Benzi’s bar mitzvah. Today, Benzi is eighteen years old and about to enter the Israeli military. A strong, young Israeli man lives today because of Sharon’s dedication and his mother’s courage.

Ched, Haim and Hannah: A Legacy of Faith

Ched’s journey began when she moved from the Philippines to Israel as a foreign worker. Facing an unexpected pregnancy alone, she was confronted with an agonizing choice: abort the baby or lose her job and sole source of income. Through Sharon’s deep compassion and dedicated care during many office visits, Ched found the courage to choose life for her son, Haim. During this season of difficulty, Ched discovered the love of Jesus the Messiah, joyfully dedicating her life to God.

Haim was born in November 2008. Years later, in 2019, Sharon again provided comfort and guidance when Ched faced another pregnancy, leading her to proudly choose life for her daughter, Hannah. Though the family faced a difficult transition when their visa was denied in 2020, forcing a return to the Philippines, Ched's faith never wavered. When we heard that Ched was ill, we remained closely connected with her, unified in prayer during her courageous battle with cancer.

While Ched went home to be with the Lord last year, her incredible legacy lives on. We are deeply grateful to everyone who faithfully lifted her up through our weekly prayer letters. Today, sixteen-year-old Haim is a devout young man who has already begun preaching the Word in his church, carrying forward the beautiful foundation of faith their mother built.

Neta and Baby Girl Miriam

Neta, a young mother in the early years of our Operation Moses Project, gave birth to her daughter Elian in January 2007. At just 21 years old, angry and confused, Neta only chose life for her baby thanks to the emotional and practical support of Sharon's counseling.

In those early days, before the days of GPS, Sharon and I (Sandy) would personally deliver baby beds, strollers, bathtubs, and changing tables to the mothers’ apartments. We spent months laughing as we navigated the confusing streets of Jerusalem, bringing diapers, formula, and—most importantly—a monthly hug.

Over the years, Neta faced several tragic miscarriages and abortions. Yet, three years ago, following Sharon’s retirement, our counselor Riwkah stepped in and helped Neta choose life for her fourth child, Nof.

Sharon set a standard of loving acceptance for every mother without a hint of judgment, a legacy that all our counselors carry on today. It is truly a culture of love. After Nof was born, Neta shared this beautiful note:

“You saved my little girl from death. I regretted at least ten times not having an abortion, but you were there every step of the way. Now that she is here and I am looking at her, I realize I received a wonderful gift to love and to be in love with.”

Ortal and Aviel (2009), Agam (2012) and Halleli (2021)

For years, Sharon walked alongside Ortal during some of her darkest chapters. In 2008, Ortal had two children (Aviel in 2009 and Agam in 2012) with a man who was later incarcerated for five years due to substance abuse and domestic violence. Upon his release, he began stalking Ortal, forcing her to flee to northern Israel and change her phone number.

Later, Ortal became pregnant by a new partner. He offered to pay for an abortion, which Ortal considered, but she ultimately decided against it due to the lingering trauma of a past abortion. Desperate for direction, Ortal was reminded by her mother—who still lived in Jerusalem—of the support she had received from Be'ad Chaim about ten years prior. Though we had moved, her mother persistently tracked us down and reconnected.

This led to a joyous reunion between Ortal and Sharon, both over the phone and at the office, where Sharon embraced Ortal like an old friend. In 2021, Ortal’s daughter, Haleli, was born.

Recently, Sandy called to inform Ortal that Sharon had passed. Ortal shared this touching tribute:

"Sharon was incredibly kind and always giving. She never said 'no' when I wanted to talk; she listened patiently and acted with all her heart. I am now caring for my very ill grandmother who has dementia. I believe there is no greater gift I can give my children than to learn to not only receive, but to give to others. I received help from Sharon, and it is only right for me to pass that good along. Please tell Sharon's sons: 'Your mother had a huge heart. God sees all her good deeds, may He give you joy in turn.'"

Because of Sharon, they are alive. They are her grandchildren.

Mary and Her Children

Mary first met Sharon seventeen years ago, when Sharon helped her choose life and secured vital support for her daughter, Or-El. Two years later, Mary gave birth to her son, Vadi, who was born with severe multiple birth defects, including blindness and paralysis. Driven by a desire to provide Vadi with positive stimulation and companionship, Mary soon welcomed another son into the family. Later, she and her husband had two more children.

When I shared the news of Sharon’s passing this week, Mary broke down in tears, repeating over and over, “She was an amazing woman.”

Reflecting on their long bond, Mary recalled, “When I met Sharon 17 years ago, she had only one or two white hairs. Eventually, her hair turned completely gray, and then white. What a woman! She always called to check on me and cared about every little detail. She did everything for me. When she retired four years ago, she called specifically to let me know and to say goodbye. Sharon is now in the World of Truth.”

Deeply moved, Mary sent this emotional voice message for Sharon’s sons:

“After our conversation, I am speechless and in so much pain. Sharon was one of the most remarkable people I have ever met. Please tell her sons that their mother is in a beautiful place now, resting after her suffering. To me, she was a rare soul, a true giver, and like a second mother. She would call me outside of work hours just to see how I was doing and always welcomed me with open arms. She told me if you want to sit and talk, just come. She helped me with four of my children. She brought joy to my family, to the organization, and to everyone around her. I wish her family all the comfort in the world. Her reward in heaven is great because of the hundreds of mothers she helped. The fact that she prevented me from aborting my first baby, opened the way for me to have the family that I now have. Unique. She was a rare woman and the true symbol of the organization. I wish that I could come and hug her sons so that I would feel that I were hugging Sharon. May you be comforted from Heaven.”

Click here to download the newsletter as a pdf