Family describes terrifying jackal attack at the Sea of Galilee

A family attacked by jackals at Doga Beach on the Sea of Galilee described a frightening night that left nine people injured and several families traumatized. One young woman was bitten in the face, and her mother said, “I heard her screaming, all her face was covered in blood.”

The attack happened overnight between Friday and Saturday near the lake shore. The mother said the family had been sitting outside when, “without warning, the jackal came up to her.” She recalled hearing her daughter cry, “It hurts,” and then seeing her face bleeding badly. According to her, the scene quickly turned chaotic as beach security and staff searched for the animals, while at least 30 people witnessed what happened.

Seven of the injured were taken to the North Medical Center, Poriya, with bite marks. The injured young woman received urgent treatment, including four rabies vaccinations and three stitches to her face. Her mother said the girl has been crying constantly, is in severe pain, and is deeply anxious about an upcoming graduation party she had been looking forward to.

The incident comes amid growing concern over rabies in northern Israel. Since the start of 2026, the Health Ministry has recorded at least 16 cases of rabid animals in the region. Rabid jackals have been found near the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley, including Dgania Bet, Ashdot Ya’akov Meuhad, and Menahemia, as well as in Arbel, Rosh Pina, Kadita, Ein Dor, agricultural land in the Upper Galilee near Ghajar, Neot Mordechai and Sde Eliyahu, and in the Emek HaMa’ayanot area, including Neve Or, Sde Eliyahu and Yardenna. Health officials urge anyone bitten or scratched by an animal to wash the wound immediately with soap and water and go quickly to the nearest health office for preventive treatment.