The Personal Stories of Leah and Aharon
Jerusalem Daycare Tragedy: The Heartbreaking Names of the Infants Lost Today
The families of 4-month-old Leah Tzipora Goloventzitz and Aharon Katz, who died in a Jerusalem daycare incident, share raw grief as the mother bids a final goodbye and police investigate what led to the tragedy that also injured 51 other children.
Two 4-month-old babies, Leah Tzipora Goloventzitz and Aharon Katz, lost their lives on Monday in a devastating incident at a daycare center in Jerusalem, leaving their families in profound sorrow and prompting an ongoing police inquiry into the circumstances that also left 51 other infants and toddlers injured. Leah's mother posted a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram, writing, "My Leah, thank you for being mine. Your soul will stay inside me forever. Blessed is the True Judge."
Leah's aunt spoke to reporters outside the hospital, visibly shaken. "We are in shock. She entered the daycare only four days ago," she said. Both infants were rushed to a Jerusalem hospital in critical condition, where medical teams eventually pronounced them dead despite resuscitation efforts. The precise cause of the incident remains under active investigation by police, who are working to determine what sequence of events led to the collapse or other failure that claimed the two lives and harmed so many others.
Jerusalem District Police Commander Nitzav Avshalom Peled addressed the tragedy directly. "This is a very unfortunate case and our hearts are with the families. Right now our focus is on the investigation whose purpose is to uncover the full truth while carrying out all necessary actions, alongside great sensitivity toward the families to bring their loved ones to burial as soon as possible," he stated. The commander emphasized that the probe aims to establish accountability and prevent any recurrence, with officers conducting thorough scene examinations, witness interviews, and review of any available security footage or documentation from the facility.
Daycare safety has once again come under intense scrutiny in Israel following the incident, as authorities examine compliance with licensing requirements, staff-to-child ratios, building standards, and emergency protocols. The deaths of Leah and Aharon have struck a deep chord across the country, with many expressing grief over the loss of such young lives and calling for swift reforms to protect the most vulnerable children in supervised care settings. As the investigation proceeds, the families face the unimaginable task of burying their infants while clinging to memories of brief but cherished time together. The mother's words and the aunt's stunned disbelief capture the raw pain of a tragedy that has united a nation in mourning and demands for answers.