From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 19, 2026
Babies, children were sleeping underneath toilets, in closets at overcrowded Jerusalem daycare where 2 died
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The Jerusalem daycare where two babies died today was dangerously overcrowded, with small children sleeping in closets and on mattresses around a toilet, footage shows.
Channel 12 news broadcasts video showing the dangerous conditions at the unlicensed daycare in the Romema neighborhood.
First responders say that babies and children were sleeping in closets, hallways and bathrooms.
מזרונים בשירותים, תיעוד מהצפיפות במעון הפרטי בו אירע האסון בירושלים ???????? pic.twitter.com/ogn0R2OFXx
— שילה פריד???????? (@shilofreid) January 19, 2026
The responders tell the Ynet news site that dozens of babies and children napped on top of each other in cupboards and next to the toilet in the bathroom.
They also say that the air conditioner was operating at a very high temperature, described by the outlet as “life-threatening.”
Footage broadcast by Channel 13 news also appears to show overcrowding.
פרסום ראשון: תיעוד מבפנים של הפעוטון בו התרחש האסון בו נהרגו שני פעוטות בני כמה חודשים בלבד: בדירה דחוסה, כשחלק מהפעוטות ישנים יחד בדירה מוזנחת. במשטרה בודקים האם רשלנות חמורה של שלוש גננות גרמה למוות הטראגי. pic.twitter.com/Fik8DpulHz
— Yossi Eli (@Yossi_eli) January 19, 2026
Two babies died and 53 others were hospitalized in the incident at the daycare. Three caregivers have been detained.
The Times of Israel Community.