Avihai Chiim

Avihai Chiim is the health and welfare correspondent for Walla .

Flu vaccines at Clalit’s logistics center

Health funds launch flu vaccination campaigns as supplies gradually reach clinics

Nearly three million Israeli students begin school on September 1, 2026, including some 180,000 first-graders.

Nearly three million Israeli students begin school year with AI, financial education at center

Former Israeli politician Shelly Yachimovich. October 3, 2025.

Ex-Labor Party chair Shelly Yachimovich reveals months-long battle with pancreatic cancer


Health Min. reviews possible sperm donor genetic mismatch at Assuta Medical Center, Tel Aviv

The ministry is examining a private genetic test conducted abroad after a patient raised questions about whether the sperm donor used to conceive her child was genetically matched.

View of the Assuta medical center in Ramat haHayal, Tel Aviv. June 17, 2025.

Doctors discover rare brain complication in boy after arrow strikes skull at summer camp

The incident occurred during an archery activity held as part of the camp's summer vacation program. One of the children fired an arrow that struck the upper part of the boy's nose. 

An 11-year-old was injured by an arrow to the head at camp in Israel. Images shared by the family.

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

According to data collected by The Israel Women’s Network (IWN) and presented in the “Great Women’s Survey 2026," at least 900,000 women have experienced violence from a partner or relative.

 Abuse (illustrative)

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

Israel's Foreign and Health ministries are preparing official delegations and aid, while non-governmental organizations, including IsraAID and KKL-JNF, are also sending aid.

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

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.