JERUSALEM (VINnews) — A three-month-old baby girl from the Gur community in Hatzor HaGlilit was rushed in critical condition to Ziv Medical Center after emergency medical teams performed prolonged resuscitation efforts at the scene. The infant arrived at the pediatric emergency department in critical condition, while doctors continued intensive attempts to save her life.

Emergency room physicians continued advanced resuscitation procedures, but despite their extensive efforts, they were ultimately forced to pronounce the death of the infant, Rachel Mendelson, of blessed memory. She was the granddaughter of Rabbi Yisrael Roshatzki, the rabbi of Mevo’ot HaHermon and one of the rabbis associated with the Gur Hasidic community in Hatzor HaGlilit.

Because the death was sudden, concerns immediately arose that police might require a post-mortem examination (autopsy), something that many religious Jews strongly oppose on religious grounds and which often becomes a source of controversy.

Late last night, the situation at Ziv Medical Center reportedly reached a dramatic stage. According to the report, due to fears that the body might be subjected to procedures considered a desecration of the deceased and because of bureaucratic delays, several activists and private individuals allegedly organized an attempt to remove the infant’s body directly from the hospital and bring it for immediate burial. Ultimately, the attempt was unsuccessful.

Later in the night, under instructions from the relevant authorities, the body was transferred to the National Center of Forensic Medicine, where a CT was performed. Only on Monday morning, after more than 24 hours of anxious waiting and immense distress for the grieving family, was the body released for burial.

During the past several hours, many people reportedly worked behind the scenes to assist the family and secure the body’s release as quickly as possible. Among those involved were volunteers and leaders from various ZAKA organizations, public figures, politicians, and medical advocates.

This painful case highlights a broader public issue. A situation in which parents who have just lost their three-month-old daughter must wait more than 24 agonizing hours before being able to bury her is unacceptable and inhumane, regardless of the reason for the delay or which authorities were responsible.