Daycare Assistant Sentenced to 7 Years for Abusing 12 Toddlers in Israel

A district court in central Israel has sentenced a daycare assistant, Shelly Sheinker, to seven years in prison for abusing 12 toddlers under her care. Sheinker was convicted of multiple counts of abuse and assault against children aged seven months to 1.5 years old at the "Transparent Garden" daycare in Netanya.

In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Sheinker to pay a total of 300,000 shekels in compensation to the parents of the abused children. The indictment detailed approximately 60 instances of abuse, including pushing, hitting, slapping, pulling hair, and ignoring the toddlers' cries. Sheinker also reportedly kicked the children, pinched their faces, and forcefully threw them, even while they slept. In some cases, she sprayed cleaning fluid at them and dragged a chair, pushing a crawling toddler with it.

The abuse was captured on security cameras. The court emphasized the severity of such offenses, particularly when committed by someone entrusted with a child's care and well-being. The judges noted that despite a clear trend toward harsher sentencing, violence against infants by caregivers continues.

Ophir Fahima, a prosecutor from the Central District Attorney's Office, stated that Sheinker's actions were systematic and cruel, involving humiliation and intimidation of vulnerable infants. The prosecution had sought a 10-year sentence to send a strong message against harming defenseless children and betraying parental trust. Prosecutors are reviewing the verdict to consider an appeal and expressed support for the parents, hoping they can begin healing with their children.