Alarming study: Life-threatening deficiencies exposed in schools

A Taub Center study reveals that 27% of schools examined lack EpiPen injectors. The number of students with food allergies has more than doubled from 2021 to 2025. Researchers criticize the blanket ban on allergens in schools and the medical aide model, recommending the return of school nurses.

A new study by the Taub Center reveals that 27% of schools examined had missing or partial availability of EpiPen injectors for treating severe allergic reactions. The number of students whose parents report food allergies has more than doubled in four years, from 23,294 to 50,571 students. Researchers Dr. Sarit Silverman and Prof. Nadav Davidovitch point to significant gaps between strong and weak authorities: in high-cluster authorities, the allergy reporting rate stands at 5.06% compared to 0.65% in low-cluster ones. The study criticizes the Ministry of Education's blanket ban on bringing allergenic foods into schools, arguing there is no evidence it reduces anaphylactic reactions. The medical aide model for students in grades 1-2 is also under scrutiny, with no research basis to evaluate its effectiveness. The researchers recommend reinstating school nurses as a professional medical resource for all students. Meanwhile, the Yahal association petitioned the High Court against the pilot program replacing aides with nurses, claiming it could endanger students with severe allergies.