Israel begins 2026 with midnight birth and dozens of emergency calls
Israel welcomed its first baby of 2026 just one minute after midnight as Magen David Adom medics across the country dealt with a busy New Year’s Eve marred by traffic accidents, alcohol-related injuries, and violent incidents overnight.
Shira-Leah Rozman with her husband, Uri, and midwives Odelia Mendelovich and Rachel Znwirt following the birth of Israel’s first baby of 2026 at 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Photo by Hadassah Spokesperson/TPS-IL
Hadassah Mount Scopus Hospital in Jerusalem said a baby boy was born at 12:01 a.m. to Shira-Leah and Uri Rozman of Dolev.
“I had a good birth with a wonderful midwifery team, thank God, everything went great and it was a lovely experience,” Shira-Leah said.
A teacher by profession, she added, “I wish all of us a happy birthday, may the Jewish people continue to grow and multiply.”
The baby weighed 2,884 grams and was delivered with the assistance of midwives Odelia Mendelovich and Rachel Znwirt. He is the couple’s fifth child, with his siblings waiting for him at home.
While Israelis rang in 2026, Magen David Adom medics remained on high alert throughout the night. According to MDA, medics and paramedics provided medical care to hundreds of people.
A total of 51 people were injured in road accidents, including three in moderate condition and 48 lightly injured. Eleven people were hurt in violent incidents, including one man, about 30 years old, who was seriously injured in a stabbing near a forest. Four others were moderately injured, and six sustained light injuries.
Among the incidents was an explosion at a Nazareth liquor store in which twelve people were injured. Police said the incident was caused by a gas leak and ruled out a suspicious criminal incident.
MDA teams also treated approximately 50 teenagers and adults for alcohol-related injuries.
During the first night of the new year, MDA ambulances and mobile intensive care units transported 21 women in labour to hospitals across Israel.
“As every year, MDA volunteers and employees were deployed across the country and provided life-saving medical care to partygoers on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, even at the beginning of the new year, the teams in the field were called to handle traffic accidents and alcohol-related incidents,” said MDA Director Eli Bin. “I wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe New Year.”
