Summer Holiday Sees Deadliest Year for Children in Five Years

The past summer holiday in Israel was the deadliest in five years for children, with 38 fatalities recorded, according to a report by the Beterem Center for Child Safety. The period, from June 21 to August 31, saw an increase in deaths compared to 29 in the previous summer and a five-year average of 27.

Road accidents and drowning were major causes, accounting for 16 and 14 child deaths respectively. Drowning deaths doubled from the previous year and increased by 75% compared to the six-year average. Falls from heights and children being trapped in closed cars also contributed to the fatalities.

Children from the Arab community represented 42% of the total child fatalities, a disproportionately high figure given their representation in the general child population. Infants and toddlers aged 0-4 years were the most vulnerable group, making up 37% of all deaths, followed by teenagers aged 15-17, who constituted 21% of the fatalities.

In response to the alarming trend, Beterem declared a state of emergency and launched a public awareness campaign titled "The Black Flag" in Arabic and Hebrew. The organization is also distributing informational materials to parents and stakeholders, with a particular focus on the Arab community.

Orly Silbinger, Director General of Beterem, described the summer as "the bloodiest in recent years" and urged parents to prioritize safety and prevention. "We cannot accept these figures or pass them over lightly," she stated, emphasizing the need for concrete action as the new school year begins.