Avihai Chiim

Avihai Chiim is the health and welfare correspondent for Walla .

A memorial ceremony at the Nova festival marking two years since the October 7 massacre when Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel, murdering more than 1200 people. October 07, 2025.

October 7 terror victims report job losses, financial strain, lack of support from government

 Abuse (illustrative)

At least one in four women experienced violent behavior from partner or relative, study finds

Emergency workers at a damaged building after an earthquake, in La Guaira, Venezuela, June 24, 2026

Israel to send aid mission after earthquakes devastate Venezuela, killing hundreds


Israeli treatment that spared burn surgeries now aims to save limbs

An Israeli biotech company that transformed burn care is now testing whether the same pineapple-based technology can help millions of patients suffering from chronic wounds that refuse to heal.

MediWound’s EscharEx treatment, which is being tested in a global study for chronic wounds that fail to heal.

Baby puree scare: Police examine possible terror angle after sedatives hospitalize four infants

The Health Ministry confirmed that laboratory tests found clonazepam and lorazepam in jars of Prinok baby fruit puree sold at two branches of Zol Begadol, a discount supermarket chain in Jerusalem.

A woman enters the Zol Begadol branch on Jaffa Street, downtown Jerusalem, June 17, 2026.

Four infants hospitalized in Jerusalem after consuming puree containing sedatives

Blood tests conducted on the infants found traces of benzodiazepines, a substance used in psychiatric medications and sedatives. 

The entrance to the Emergency room at the Hadassah Ein Kerem Hospital in Jerusalem on November 1, 2020.

Parents association rejects Teachers' Union threat to limit inclusion of students with disabilities

While teachers are threatening strike action over staffing shortages, parents are attacking the demand and describing it as dangerous discrimination.

Group of students raising hands during a lesson in the classroom. [Illustrative]

Knesset passes bill recognizing Israeli Sign Language

Former MK and deaf political activist Shirly Pinto praised the passing of the bill as “a historic day for the State of Israel.” 

Small Caucasian teen girl child do articulation exercises with caring mother or teacher at home. Little kid pronounce sounds speak talk with tutor or coach, engaged in voice pronunciation together.

Jerusalem's 24th March for Pride and Tolerance begins with new route toward Knesset

The 24th Jerusalem March for Pride and Tolerance kicked off with a new route toward the Knesset, highlighting calls for equal rights, legislative change, and inclusion for Israel’s LGBTQ+ community.

THE JERUSALEM Pride Parade, June 4, 2026.

New Jerusalem Pride March route heads towards Knesset under 'Demanding Change' slogan

The Jerusalem Open House for Pride and Tolerance said the march will call for changes in public discourse and legislation on behalf of Israel’s LGBTQ+ community.

 Thousands take part in the annual Gay Pride Parade in Jerusalem, on June 5, 2025.

A 9-year-old girl who was shot in the head in Arara was pronounced dead

A 9-year-old girl was shot dead in Arara today in a violent incident. Police have arrested suspects as they investigate what began as a local dispute between neighbors.

A 7-year-old girl was killed after being shot in the head during a dispute in Arara, near Haifa, May 27, 2026.

Anti-LGBTQ violence in Israel rose sharply in 2025, national queer and trans violence report finds

A total of 432 homophobic or transphobic physical incidents were reported in Israel in 2025, the Aguda's report found.

Israeli flag and rainbow flag being waved at Tel Aviv Pride Parade, June 25 2021

Netanyahu, Kisch, Smotrich allocate over NIS 1b., outline AI education plan for summer schools

The plan covers summer school programs intended to address the academic and emotional toll of Operation Roaring Lion which led to widespread, extended school closures nationwide.

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ministers Smotrich and Kisch.