Haredi rioters throw rocks, set trash cans alight in protests against planned autopsies of babies who died at daycare

20 January 2026, 1:03 pm

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Haredi protesters are rioting at a number of locations in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh to demonstrate against the planned autopsies of two babies who died yesterday at an unlicensed daycare, police say.

In a statement, police say the rioters are throwing rocks, setting fire to trash cans and damaging property, while blocking traffic routes.

Police are using water cannons and other methods of crowd dispersal.

The same two cities saw rioting last night over a court ruling in favor of carrying out the autopsies. Orthodox Jews generally consider any tampering with a dead body a desecration, and avoid autopsies under most circumstances.

The causes of death of for 4-month-old Leah Goloventzitz and 6-month-old Aharon Katz have not yet been determined.

The Katz family, along with the ultra-Orthodox Zaka emergency service, are appealing the court’s decision to the Supreme Court, which is expected to hold a hearing on the matter this afternoon.

Two caregivers from the overcrowded Romema daycare have been detained on suspicion of negligent homicide and negligence.