Family describes horror after jackals attack at Sea of Galilee beach

A family that was among those attacked by jackals at Doga Beach on the Sea of Galilee described a chaotic night that left nine people injured and several families traumatized. Seven of the injured were taken to Ziv Medical Center in Tzfat with bite marks, according to the report. The incident happened overnight between Friday and Saturday, and beach security teams later conducted extensive searches for the animals.

The mother of one young woman who was bitten in the face said she was sitting outside when the attack began. “I heard her screaming, ‘It hurts,’ and I ran,” she said. “We were all sitting outside and suddenly, without warning, the jackal reached her. We do not understand at all how it happened.” She added, “I heard her scream in pain. I immediately ran to see what happened, and I saw that her whole face was covered in blood. It was simply terrible.”

She said the beach erupted into panic and that about 30 people witnessed the scene. Security personnel and staff searched the area for the jackals. The injured young woman was evacuated for urgent treatment, including four rabies vaccinations and three stitches in her face. Her mother said she has been crying constantly, is in severe pain, and is deeply anxious about an upcoming graduation party she had been waiting for.

The attack comes amid growing concern over rabies in northern Israel. Since the start of 2026, the Health Ministry has recorded at least 16 cases or sightings of rabid animals in the north. Rabid jackals were found in recent months near the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan Valley, including Degania Bet, Ashdot Yaakov Meuhad and Menahamiya, as well as in Arbel, Rosh Pina, Kadita, Ein Dor, agricultural areas in the Upper Galilee near Ghajar, Neot Mordechai and Sde Nehemya, and in the Beit She'an Valley area, including Neve Ur, Sde Eliyahu and Yardenah. The ministry says anyone bitten or scratched should wash the wound immediately with soap and water and urgently seek preventive treatment at the nearest health office.