The event of the opening of the Efrat Association’s community center in Jerusalem last night (Sunday) was dedicated as a mark of appreciation for the life’s work of the late Dr. Eli Schusheim, who had passed away two years previously.

Hagai Goldschmidt, CEO of the Efrat Association, said at the event: “Women come here for the entire period of pregnancy and at least six months after giving birth. During this time we support them mentally and help them get back on their feet and return to the workforce. This is one of several projects we are innovating. It’s a day that on the one hand is very difficult for us, two years since the death of Dr. Schusheim, on the other hand it’s a happy day because we continue in his path.”

Cynthia Benishis-Romani, director of the center, added: “This is a great place that allows women to continue their pregnancy and get tools for the rest of the way. I feel that this is a great mission.”

Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King noted that “this place is exciting because dozens of women will use its services. Beyond the warm place and the warm bed for her and the baby, there will also be assistance from social workers and assistance in terms of finding work.”

MK Tatiana Mazarsky from Yesh Atid was moved by the event. “The center will be opened for any woman who wants to give birth to a child and if the conditions do not allow her, or if she has thoughts and doubts whether she will have a child or not, then the Efrat Association and this center will give her all the conditions that the decision will be to keep about life and bringing the child into the world. It is a mitzvah. Lives are literally being saved here.”

“I am very excited and grateful to all the volunteers and those involved in the project for the support they give – financial support, emotional and spiritual support. These are very important things for every woman who is in the process of having a child,” she added.

MK Yisrael Eichler said that “the late Dr. Shusheim was connected to all the great men of Israel and who was he thinking of? About the women who find themselves in a difficult social situation and who cannot give birth to a child. He tried to help them stand against every hardship, because he understood that their birth is the future of the people of Israel and the future of the world and anyone who brings a child into the world brings a blessing to the world. He managed to bring eighty thousand children into the world.”