Annual School Trips in Israel Marred by Accidents and Security Incidents
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
An investigation is underway into a recent fatal incident involving a school trip in Ma'alot Tarshiha, where one person died and others were injured, possibly by shrapnel. Data from 2023-2025 shows 1,238 accidents during school trips, including security events, falls, and student violence. These incidents have resulted in about 30 lawsuits against the Ministry of Education, which has since banned certain dangerous routes.
The story in 7 lines · by baba
- One person died and others were injured in a recent school trip incident in Ma'alot Tarshiha.
- Approximately 1,238 accidents and incidents occurred during Israeli school trips between 2023 and 2025.
- The most common injuries during trips were general falls and bruises, followed by illness.
- Student violence led to 18 reported cases during school trips.
- Road accidents involving students occurred in 22 instances.
- Around 30 lawsuits have been filed by parents against the Ministry of Education due to trip accidents.
- The Ministry of Education has banned several dangerous routes previously used for school trips.
Authorities in Israel are investigating a recent incident during a school trip from a religious high school in Ma'alot Tarshiha, where one person was killed and several students and staff were injured, reportedly by shrapnel from a projectile fired into Israel during the recent war. This event has brought renewed attention to the dangers associated with annual school excursions, which, while intended for enjoyment, have a history of tragic outcomes.
The "Ma'alot Disaster" is a somber historical reference to a 1974 terrorist attack where students from Safed were abducted and murdered by militants who infiltrated from Lebanon. During a rescue attempt, 22 hostages were killed, marking one of the most severe terrorist attacks in the country's history. More recently, on April 26, 2018, a flash flood in the Zin Desert claimed the lives of ten young people, participants in a pre-military academy.
Exclusive data reveals that between 2023 and 2025, approximately 1,238 accidents and incidents occurred during school trips. These ranged from nine security-related events, students entering IDF firing zones, drownings, fires, falls from heights, and burns. Violence among students also led to 18 reported cases. The most common injuries were general, such as falls and bruises (372 cases), followed by students feeling unwell, vomiting, or experiencing pain (323 cases). Sprains and fractures affected 253 students, and 59 lost consciousness. Incidents of students getting lost or going missing occurred in 23 to 15 cases respectively, with 23 instances of trips extending into darkness.
Road safety was also a concern, with 22 traffic accidents involving students and 13 evacuations. These incidents have led to approximately 30 lawsuits filed by parents against the Ministry of Education in recent years. In response, the Ministry has removed several routes where accidents occurred from its approved list, including trails in Nahal Tahmasoon, Ma'aleh Eli, Nahal Zakuf, and Nahal Talul, and closed the Havarei Masada trail for night trips.
