Abandoned Newborn Found in Hadera: Authorities Launch Search for Parents

On January 26, 2026, a one-week-old baby was discovered abandoned in the stairwell of a Bituach Leumi office in Hadera, Israel. The infant was found by a logistics worker who entered the building to check on renovations. Upon discovering the baby wrapped in a blanket, the worker alerted the staff, who then cleaned and fed the child before contacting the Israel Police and welfare services. Emergency medical technicians from Magen David Adom (MDA) arrived shortly after and transported the baby to Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, where he was reported to be in stable condition and fully conscious.

Police find baby abandoned at Hadera Bituach Leumi officeAbandoned newborn found in HaderaAbandoned newborn found in Hadera stairwell, authorities search for parents

The Israel Police and welfare services have initiated a search for the baby's parents. Bituach Leumi, the National Insurance Institute, confirmed that their employees played a crucial role in the infant's care prior to the arrival of emergency services. MDA medic Shira Siman-Tov Cohen described the situation, stating that the baby was relatively quiet and appeared to be in good health, although it was unclear how long he had been left in the stairwell.

Abandoned newborn found in Hadera

The incident has raised concerns regarding the absence of a "Baby Moses Law" in Israel, which would allow parents to anonymously surrender infants without facing legal repercussions. Critics argue that such legislation could provide a safer alternative for parents in distress, allowing them to leave their children in designated safe locations, such as "baby boxes." This lack of legal options may contribute to situations like this, where abandonment occurs.

Abandoned newborn found in Hadera

Bituach Leumi expressed its commitment to assisting the police and welfare services in locating the parents. The organization emphasized the actions taken by its employees to ensure the baby's immediate safety and well-being. The police have not yet disclosed any leads regarding the parents' identities.

Police find baby abandoned at Hadera Bituach Leumi office

• “We received a report at the MDA dispatch center about a baby found in a stairwell. The baby was wrapped in blankets and fully conscious. We immediately took him to the heated ambulance to prevent hypothermia and examine him.” — Shira Siman-Tov Cohen, MDA Emergency Medical Technician

Police find baby abandoned at Hadera Bituach Leumi office

• “Bituach Leumi employees at the Hadera branch found a newborn infant who had been abandoned by his parents in the building near the branch, not in the branch's building.” — Bituach Leumi Statement

Abandoned newborn found in Hadera

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the infant. The search for the parents remains ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward. The case highlights the need for discussions around child welfare laws in Israel, particularly regarding the safe surrender of infants.

Abandoned newborn found in Hadera