Prosecutors filed formal indictments against a Tel Aviv daycare owner and two staff members for allegedly assaulting toddlers under their care in a pattern of violence that prosecutors say created an atmosphere of fear at the facility and caused measurable harm to children including one toddler who suffered a broken arm.
Ortal Levy, 39, an assistant at the daycare, and Natalie Shahar, 42, the facility's owner, face indictment in Tel Aviv District Court. A second indictment was filed against assistant Ronit Shira Ariel, 63, of Bat Yam, in Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court.
According to the indictment, Levy allegedly assaulted toddlers repeatedly beginning in November 2024 while they were under her care. Prosecutors allege Levy created an atmosphere of fear and used force against the children on multiple occasions.
In one documented case, prosecutors allege Levy caused a toddler to suffer a fractured arm during a diaper change. The child's parents did not receive notification of the injury on the day it occurred, according to the indictment. When the injury was subsequently discovered, the toddler required hospitalization and medical supervision.
Shahar, as daycare owner, is accused of personally assaulting two toddlers and failing to prevent abuse by staff members despite awareness of violent conditions at the facility. Prosecutors allege parents reported injuries to children, and that Shahar was cognizant of the abusive atmosphere but took no action to protect the children.
Ariel allegedly used force against toddlers in her care and is accused of assault under aggravating circumstances, according to the second indictment.
According to prosecutors, children at the facility experienced demonstrable harm beyond physical injury. Several toddlers exhibited sleep disturbances, eating difficulties, weight loss, and behavioral changes following their time at the daycare, prosecutors allege.
Levy faces charges of assault of a minor by a responsible party causing actual injury, aggravated assault, and child abuse. Shahar is charged with aggravated assault and breach of duty by a responsible adult. Ariel faces charges of aggravated assault.
Prosecutors have requested the court extend restrictions on all three defendants prohibiting them from working in any capacity involving care of minors pending conclusion of judicial proceedings. A publication ban protects the identities of the affected children.
The case adds to a documented pattern of abuse at Israeli childcare facilities. Similar cases in recent years at facilities in Holon, Ramle, Rosh Ha'ayin, Modi'in, and Bat Yam have resulted in criminal convictions and lengthy prison sentences for daycare workers convicted of abusing children in their care.
