'Not safe for kids': Food allergy group petitions High Court to stop Kisch school-nurse pilot

A food-allergy association has asked Israel’s High Court of Justice to stop a pilot that would replace dedicated medical-support aides with a single nurse serving each participating elementary school.

The program, approved by the Education and Health ministries, is planned for eight schools. Nurses would supervise children with life-threatening allergies while also providing healthcare services to other pupils.

YAHEL, the Food Allergy Counseling and Guidance association, says the two roles cannot be treated as interchangeable. Although nurses have greater medical qualifications, the group argues that one nurse covering an entire school cannot remain close enough to children throughout the day to prevent exposure before an allergic reaction begins.

The existing aides are not medical professionals. They monitor children during meals and breaks, help maintain allergen-safe environments, and respond when reactions occur. They can also check food brought into classrooms and accompany children on trips and other activities outside school.

The Education Ministry rejects YAHEL’s argument. It says the aides have limited medical training, while qualified nurses can deliver more professional care, supervise preventive measures and respond to the health needs of all pupils, including older children who do not currently qualify for dedicated assistance.

The dispute reached court as the school year began. YAHEL wants the pilot frozen and the current assistance maintained for every participating child while the case proceeds. It is also seeking detailed information about the program, a written commitment that no eligible pupil will lose effective protection, and an urgent meeting with ministry officials.