Israeli Expert Warns of Electronic Cigarette Epidemic Among Yeshiva Students

Electronic cigarettes, or vapes, have become a growing health crisis among yeshiva students in Israel, with over 70% of older students having tried them recently. Professor Zvi Friedlander, head of a pulmonary department at Hadassah Medical Center and chairman of the Israeli Pulmonary Association, spoke on the 'Davar Rishon' program about the dangers masked by the fruity scents and colorful designs of these devices. He emphasized that despite their appealing appearance and the misconception that they are less harmful than traditional cigarettes, the long-term health effects remain largely unknown, and early evidence suggests similar physiological damage.

Friedlander highlighted the alarming trend of youth initiation into smoking through electronic cigarettes, which often leads to full tobacco use with well-documented harms. He also warned of acute medical emergencies such as sudden lung collapse (EVALI), chronic cough, and increased phlegm linked to vaping. A tragic case of a 16-year-old who died from vaping-related lung injury was cited, yet public awareness and regulatory response have been insufficient.

The interview revealed that tobacco companies exploit the yeshiva environment by placing vape-selling shops near religious schools, circumventing laws prohibiting sales to minors. Enforcement is weak, allowing widespread access. National smoking data shows 54% of under-18 yeshiva high school students have tried electronic cigarettes, with 23% regular users, and 77% of older yeshiva students having vaped in the past month.

Friedlander called for aggressive legislation, including heavy taxation and strict enforcement, treating electronic cigarettes as equally harmful as traditional smoking. He also supports graphic health warnings on packaging to educate users on the real risks. The overarching message is a call to parents, educators, and community leaders to recognize and combat this dangerous epidemic threatening the health of future generations in the religious sector.