“Poisoning in Jerusalem”: why the high-profile version changed and what the authorities are now investigating

On January 19, 2026, in Jerusalem, in the Romema district, an incident occurred in a private nursery, after which two infants died, and another 53 children were taken to hospitals for examinations and observation. Initially, it was described as a “mass poisoning” or possible gas leak, but as the investigation progressed, the picture changed — the focus shifted to the conditions inside the premises and a possible heat factor.

According to the investigation, there were 55 children in the nursery. The facility was located in two connected apartments of an old building. Rescuers and medics working on the scene described the conditions as dangerous: children were found sleeping in corridors, closets, and the bathroom; in one instance, it was mentioned that an infant was sleeping under a toilet, with mattresses lying nearby.

Who died and how many children were evacuated

The death of a boy approximately six months old and a girl approximately three and a half months old was reported. The names of the deceased were mentioned in publications: Leah Golovenchits and Aaron Katz. The remaining children were taken to medical centers in Jerusalem, with most of their conditions assessed as satisfactory, and hospitalization was preventive due to age and resonance.

Police, fire-rescue service, and medics were working on the scene. As a result of the initial check, the version of a “chemical event” was not confirmed — suspicions of toxic substances or a gas leak did not become the main line of investigation.

Why the word “poisoning” became controversial

The “first headline” effect then came into play: when many infants simultaneously feel unwell, media and witnesses automatically call it poisoning. But interim findings of the investigation pointed to something else: no signs of carbon monoxide exposure were found in the children, and heat and dehydration — essentially thermal stress even in the winter period — were discussed as the likely cause of the two infants’ deaths.

In the rescuers’ testimonies, a detail was mentioned that is now receiving special attention: an air conditioner might have been operating at high “thermal” power in the premises, the air was very dry and poorly circulated. For infants, this is critical: they lose moisture faster, regulate body temperature worse, and cannot “complain” in a way that adults can accurately recognize the danger.

Address, status of the institution, and reaction of authorities

The building in question was on Ha-Mem-Gimel Street in Jerusalem. It was also noted that it was a private framework, initially reported to be without a license. After the incident, an administrative decision was made to cease operations at the site.

As part of the investigation, three caregivers were detained for questioning. Neighbors claimed that the nursery framework had been operating for many years, which raised further questions about how and by whom it was controlled.

What is being checked now

Now the key question is not “what exactly poisoned,” but “how were the conditions and control arranged.” Investigators and relevant services are assessing the density of children’s placement, sleep regime, ventilation, temperature regime, staff responsibilities, and the institution’s documents.

For parents, the conclusion is simple and harsh: if there are 55 infants in one place at the same time, and some of them sleep in corridors and the bathroom, then the problem is not a “random toxin,” but in the oversight system and safety standards.

This story has become another signal for Israel: the private nursery market requires transparent rules and real inspections, otherwise, tragedies will repeat — and this is essentially what is being discussed today following the events in Jerusalem. The questions parents are asking will continue to be raised for a long time, and NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency is monitoring the development of the topic.