Infant Deaths Spark Protests in Ultra-Orthodox Communities
Hundreds of Ultra-Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, along with other locations including Bnei Brak, engaged in widespread protests on Monday, January 19, and Tuesday, January 20, 2026, following a court order for autopsies on two infants who died in an unlicensed daycare center. The demonstrations, rooted in deep religious objections to the desecration of the dead, escalated into clashes with Israeli police.
The two infants, identified as 4-month-old Leah Goloventzitz and 6-month-old Aharon Katz, were found deceased on Monday morning at a daycare operating out of several adjacent apartments on Ha'Mem Gimel Street in Jerusalem's Haredi-majority Romema neighborhood. Medics evacuated 53 other children from the facility, many exhibiting symptoms of respiratory distress. The cause of death for the two babies was not immediately clear, prompting authorities to request autopsies to determine the circumstances.
Religious Objections and Legal Battles
The Ultra-Orthodox community largely opposes autopsies, viewing any interference with a deceased body as a desecration, contrary to the Jewish principle of 'kavod hamet' (dignity of the dead). While Jewish law generally prohibits autopsies, exceptions can be made in specific cases, particularly if required by civil law or to save other lives. However, the families of the deceased infants, supported by the ZAKA emergency service, appealed the initial ruling by the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court that permitted the autopsies. On Tuesday afternoon, the Supreme Court of Israel overturned the lower court's decision, blocking the planned post-mortem examinations.
Violent Clashes and Arrests
The protests began late Monday and continued into Tuesday, with hundreds of demonstrators taking to the streets. In Jerusalem, protesters blocked roads, including the light rail tracks near the Shivtei Israel station, set fire to garbage bins, and damaged vehicles. Similar scenes unfolded in Beit Shemesh, where police reportedly used stun grenades and batons to disperse crowds. Police statements indicated that 'rioters are setting fire to and rolling dumpsters, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, attacking and clashing with civilians and police officers, and blocking trains and vehicles in an attempt to disrupt daily life.' During the unrest, 11 individuals were arrested across Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, including one protester accused of biting a police officer. One protester was also reported to have been hit by a vehicle and evacuated to the hospital in moderate condition.
Investigation into Daycare Incident Continues
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the infants' deaths and the injuries to the other children. Initial theories suggested the incident could be linked to the daycare's heating system, potentially causing heat exhaustion and dehydration. Reports of possible chemical weapons or carbon monoxide poisoning were later ruled out. The daycare owner and a caregiver have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by negligence and neglect, and their detention was extended as the investigation proceeds.
5 Comments
Africa
Finally, a community standing firm for their values. The Supreme Court made the right call.
Bermudez
The community's desire to preserve the dignity of the dead is a powerful cultural value, but the violent nature of the protests undermines their message. It's tragic that a situation involving infant deaths led to such civil unrest.
Africa
Religious objections shouldn't override public safety. We need to know why those children died!
Muchacha
It's absolutely essential to respect their religious beliefs. Kavod hamet is a sacred principle.
Mariposa
What about the other 53 children? Their health and safety depend on finding answers.