According to an initial investigation, medical experts reportedly believe that two babies who died at an illegal Jerusalem daycare succumbed to dehydration after being held in a closed room with a fan heater set very high.
Hebrew media reports, citing the Abu Kabir Institute for Forensic Medicine, say that there were no signs of poisoning found on the two infants, and that at least one of them had died a significant period of time before first responders arrived.
The two babies who were declared dead have been named as Leah Goloventzitz, 4 months, and Aharon Katz, 6 months.
The three daycare providers at the unlicensed center in a private apartment in Jerusalem’s Romema neighborhood have been detained by police. Footage circulating on social media shows overcrowded facilities, with babies sleeping on the floor of the bathroom and poor conditions.
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From the Liveblog of
Monday, January 19, 2026
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