A tragic incident in West Jerusalem has left at least two infants dead and over 50 others hospitalized after falling ill at an unlicensed daycare centre, authorities confirmed on Monday. The daycare, located in an apartment building in the predominantly ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Romema, was operating without proper licensing or oversight.

Paramedics, ambulances, and fire crews rushed to the scene as parents anxiously waited for news about their children. Israeli officials have launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Details of the Fatalities

The victims were identified as a three-month-old infant and another child approximately six months old. Both were transported to Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital and Shaare Zedek Medical Centre, where doctors attempted advanced resuscitation but were unable to save them.

Hospital officials have not disclosed the specific cause of death, pending ongoing investigations. Dr. Gal Pachys, director of emergency medicine at Shaare Zedek, stated:

“At this stage, we still do not know exactly what the circumstances of the incident are.”

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Condition of Other Children

In total, 53 babies and toddlers from the daycare were taken to hospitals for examinations and treatment. Reports indicate that several of the children were suffering from symptoms consistent with exposure to an unsafe environment.

Local media initially suggested that toxic gas from a heating system might have been involved. However, the Israeli Fire and Rescue Authority later confirmed that no hazardous or toxic substances were detected at the site.

First responders also reported that the daycare was overcrowded, with alarming conditions including an infant reportedly found sleeping on a bathroom floor.

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Emergency Response and Investigation

The Magen David Adom ambulance service received a report Monday afternoon about two unconscious babies at the daycare. Paramedics arrived promptly, attempted resuscitation, and transported the children to nearby hospitals.

Israeli police have confirmed that forensic experts are conducting all necessary investigative measures to determine what led to the infants’ injuries and deaths. Three caregivers present at the daycare have been detained for questioning.

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Community Reaction

Residents of Romema described the scene as chaotic and distressing. Zalmi Neufeld, a local witness, told AFP:

“I saw emergency personnel pulling kids out of the building. I saw parents crying, a lot of kids crying, kids all over the place. It was like a war zone.”

Parents and community members gathered outside the apartment building as authorities worked to evacuate children safely.

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Government Response

Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch condemned the incident, emphasizing the illegal operation of the daycare:

“Helpless infants lost their lives in a private facility that operated without a licence and without oversight, in violation of the law.”

Following the tragedy, Kisch announced that his ministry and other relevant authorities would develop a plan to shut down unlicensed daycare centres across Israel to prevent similar incidents in the future.

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Broader Concerns About Unlicensed Daycare Centres

The incident has raised serious concerns about child safety in unlicensed childcare facilities in Israel, particularly in ultra-Orthodox communities where informal nurseries are more common.

Experts warn that unregulated daycares may lack proper staff training, safety measures, and emergency protocols, putting infants and toddlers at extreme risk.

The government’s forthcoming plan is expected to increase inspections, enforce stricter licensing regulations, and implement penalties for operators of illegal daycare facilities.

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Key Takeaways

• At least two infants have died, and over 50 children hospitalized after an incident at an unlicensed daycare in West Jerusalem.
• The daycare was reportedly overcrowded, and hazardous conditions were cited, although no toxic substances were detected.
• Three caregivers are being questioned by authorities, and a full investigation is underway.
• Israeli officials are promising tighter regulations and enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
• The tragedy underscores the critical need for licensed, supervised childcare in all communities.