Court rules to allow autopsy of babies who died in daycare, families to appeal

19 January 2026, 11:16 pm

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Rescue and security forces work at the scene of a mass-casualty incident at an illegal daycare in Jerusalem's Haredi-majority Romema neighborhood, on January 19, 2026. (Goldberg/Flash90)

The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court has ruled in favor of allowing an autopsy of two babies who died earlier today in an unlicensed daycare center, against the wishes of the parents.

According to the Ynet news site, the ZAKA organization, backed by the families, is set to appeal the decision.

Hundreds of extremist Haredi protesters have taken to the streets of Jerusalem and Bnei Brak to protest the pending autopsy. Jewish law generally prohibits autopsies, but allows for some exceptions.

The circumstances of the babies’ deaths are still unclear, although initial reports indicate they may have died due to dehydration after being closed in a room with a fan heater set on high.