Israeli Daycare Worker Sentenced to Seven Years for Abusing 12 Toddlers

A district court in Lod, Israel, has sentenced a former daycare worker, Shelly Sheinker, to seven years in prison for a series of violent acts against 12 toddlers under her care in Netanya. Sheinker was convicted of multiple charges, including child abuse, assault causing actual bodily harm, and aggravated assault, for actions committed over approximately one month between May 29 and June 27, 2024.

The court detailed numerous instances of abuse, such as hitting toddlers on their heads and faces, pulling their hair and arms, throwing them to the floor and onto mats, and kicking them. In one case, she hit an eight-month-old baby who refused to eat, covering his face with a towel while he struggled. In another, she dragged a sleeping toddler by her arms, threw her to the floor, and then kicked her in the face.

While Sheinker was acquitted of some charges on legal grounds, the court emphasized this did not negate the acts or their severity, noting her admission to most of the indictment's facts. Prosecutors stated that Sheinker committed around 60 assault incidents over 13 documented days, with some children experiencing violence multiple times daily. The state had sought a 10-year sentence.

Parents described the severe emotional and psychological impact on their children, including night terrors, rage attacks, self-harm, separation anxiety, and eating disorders. They also expressed feelings of guilt and loss of trust in educational facilities. Sheinker's defense attorney cited her young age (22 at the time), lack of prior record, and personal circumstances, including alleged shortages of her ADHD medication and being left alone with 12 children, as mitigating factors. Sheinker expressed remorse.

Ultimately, the court considered Sheinker's youth, clean record, confession, and ongoing treatment, but stressed the profound and lasting harm to the children. The judge noted that most offenses were committed without apparent reason and rejected claims of burnout. In addition to the prison sentence, Sheinker was ordered to pay 300,000 shekels in compensation to the families.