Avihai Chiim

Avihai Chiim is the health and welfare correspondent for Walla .

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

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

Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ministers Smotrich and Kisch.

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

Hodaya Cohen and Akiva Schreier during the World Tanach Quiz 2026.

Hodaya Cohen wins Israel's 78th Independence Day Bible World Quiz for Youth


Majority of Israeli healthcare workers use Whatsapp professionally despite privacy risks - study

The study argues that current guidance largely focuses on prohibitions and warnings, without offering a practical alternative that can compete with WhatsApp’s speed and ease of use.

WhatsApp users.

Education Minister announces new outline for matriculation exams, leniency for students in north

"As the security situation continues, we will continue to adapt our responses sensitively and in line with what emerges from the field,” Kisch said.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch visits a school in Rishon LeZion as children return to classes following a ceasefire in the war with Iran, April 9, 2026.

Health Ministry investigating daycares after 15 toddlers suffer food poisoning symptoms

At least two of the toddlers were hospitalized in suspected food poisoning cases. The incidents occurred at two daycare centers operating under the same management, initial information shows.

ENTERING THE emergency room at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

Health Ministry reveals wartime preparations in Eilat, Dead Sea amid tense security situation

An internal document from the Ministry of Health reveals the depth of the preparations, which include increasing the number of teams operating around the clock and the number of intensive care units.

Magen David Adom staff members work at the emergency dispatch center in Ramla, central Israel, March 6, 2026.

Only 30% of young people in Israel optimistic about future, Aluma survey reveals

The data reflects the feelings of the young people participating in the survey, but paints a worrying picture that is mirrored in Aluma’s ongoing work in the field.

People take cover in a bomb shelter from incoming missiles fired from Iran in Tel Aviv, March 16, 2026.

IDF reservist found dead in Bat Yam shelter as residents seek cover

An investigation by Walla revealed that he was not being treated at the Defense Ministry Rehabilitation Division and was not known to have sought assistance in the past.

People walk at the beach in Bat Yam, central Israel, on a cold winter day, January 9, 2026.

Education Ministry says students' grades will not be affected by absences during Iran war

Additionally, special education institutions in Jerusalem will resume operations on Wednesday after the Home Front Command approved the measure on Tuesday.

 High school students take their mathematics matriculation examination (Bagrut), in at a high school in Rishon Lezion, on May 20, 2019.

Israeli pilots admit using stimulant pills on long Iran missions, doctors warn public against use

Recently, IDF pilots have admitted to using stimulant pills designed to help maintain alertness in situations of extreme fatigue.

An Israel Air Force fighter jet on the way to strike targets in Iran on March 4, 2026.

Israel's healthcare system cleared hundreds of hospital beds in first 36 hours of Iran war

The move, carried out in coordination with the Home Front Command, was designed to enable the absorption of large numbers of casualties while maintaining continuity of care and protecting patients.

 Israeli soldiers and medical staff at the underground hospital at the Rambam Hospital in Haifa, on September 22, 2024.

First repatriation flight returns over 100 doctors, healthcare professionals to Israel

The return of medical teams is the result of extensive efforts led by the Health Ministry's HR and operations control centers to locate, coordinate, and bring back public health system personnel.

AIRPLANES AT the Ben Gurion International airport. February 11, 2026.