Nursery staff charged with abusing toddlers in ‘twisted’ Tel Aviv daycare case

Nearly two years after shocking abuse allegations emerged at a private daycare facility in Tel Aviv, prosecutors have filed charges against three staff members. The indictment names two caregivers, Ortal Levy and Ronit Shira Ariel, alongside facility director Natalie Shachar, with a range of abuse allegations that have shocked Israeli parents and childcare professionals. The case centres on conduct at the nursery “Smiles” and raises serious questions about safeguarding standards in private childcare settings. Levy is accused of subjecting toddlers to rough handling, including slamming children onto mattresses and floors, whilst creating an atmosphere of fear within the facility. The indictment alleges she would forcefully manipulate children’s limbs. Director Shachar faces separate charges, including an allegation that she held a toddler upside down by their feet. The charges represent some of the most serious abuse allegations in Israel’s private childcare sector in recent years and are likely to reignite debate about inspection standards and staff vetting procedures at daycare centres across the country.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.