Full Breakdown
Tragedy at Unlicensed Daycare in Jerusalem: Two Infants Dead
1/23/2026, 10:54:42 AM
Incident Overview
On January 19, 2026, a tragic incident occurred at an unlicensed daycare center in the Romema neighborhood of Jerusalem, resulting in the deaths of two infants, three-month-old Lia Tzipora Golovnetsitz and six-month-old Aharon Katz. Over 55 other children were also affected, with many requiring hospitalization due to varying degrees of injuries. Initial reports suggest that the cause of death may be linked to dehydration and overheating in the overcrowded facility.
Conditions at the Daycare
Authorities described the daycare as operating under substandard conditions, with overcrowding reported as a significant factor. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the facility, which was located in a residential apartment, was not licensed and had numerous safety violations. Emergency responders noted that children were found in inappropriate sleeping arrangements, including one infant lying on a bathroom floor. The Education Ministry confirmed that no licensed daycare operated at the address in question.
Investigative Actions
In the aftermath of the incident, the Israel Police and Fire and Rescue Authority launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries. Initial assessments ruled out hazardous substances, including carbon monoxide, as the cause of the incident. However, the investigation continues to explore the potential role of the daycare's heating system and overcrowding in the tragedy.
Legal Proceedings and Community Response
Following the incident, caregivers Miriam Friedman and Mali Shmuel Eliyahu were placed under house arrest as part of the legal proceedings. Chani Katz, the mother of Aharon, publicly defended the caregivers, stating that they were innocent and that her son's death was a "divine decree." Katz emphasized her long-standing relationship with Friedman, describing her as a "second mother" to her children. She expressed that the legal actions against the caregivers were unjust, stating, “What’s being done to them is an injustice.”
Official Statements
Education Minister Yoav Kisch condemned the operation of unlicensed daycare facilities, stating, "Helpless infants lost their lives in a private facility that operated without a licence and without oversight." He has instructed his ministry to develop a plan to shut down such facilities in the future. The Attorney General’s Office has also been involved, with budget cuts to daycare subsidies for unlicensed facilities being implemented following a High Court ruling regarding military service exemptions for Haredi men.
Criticism and Community Concerns
The incident has sparked outrage within the Haredi community, with some lawmakers blaming the state for the tragedy, citing cuts to daycare subsidies as a contributing factor. Community members have expressed deep concern over the safety and regulation of childcare facilities, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight to prevent similar incidents in the future.
What's Next
As investigations continue, the focus will be on understanding how the unlicensed daycare operated without oversight and what measures can be implemented to enhance safety standards in childcare facilities across Israel. The tragic deaths of Lia and Aharon have raised urgent questions about the welfare of children in unregulated environments.
