Six-Month-Old Baby Dies in Bnei Brak Suspected Choking Incident

A six-month-old infant died on August 6 at Sheba Medical Center after being rushed from his home in Bnei Brak in critical condition due to suspected choking. Emergency responders from Magen David Adom received the initial call at 21:22 reporting the baby had likely choked on a plastic bag. Upon arrival, paramedics found the infant unconscious, without pulse or breathing, and immediately began advanced resuscitation efforts including chest compressions, ventilation, and medication administration. Despite these efforts and emergency transport to the hospital, the baby’s death was confirmed.

This tragic case marks the sixth child fatality from choking in Israel so far in 2026, according to the child safety organization Betrem. Between 2021 and 2025, 22 children died from external choking causes. Orly Silbinger, CEO of Betrem, emphasized that choking remains a leading cause of death among young children and warned that plastic bags, packaging, and small objects can quickly become deadly hazards. She urged caregivers to keep such items out of reach and maintain constant supervision of infants and toddlers.

The incident highlights ongoing child safety concerns related to choking hazards in the home environment and reinforces the need for preventive measures to protect young children from accidental suffocation.