Israeli Daycare Worker Sentenced to Seven Years for Abusing 12 Toddlers

A court in Lod, Israel, has sentenced a former daycare assistant, Shelly Shinker, to seven years in prison for abusing 12 children under her care. The Central District Court also ordered Shinker to pay 300,000 shekels in compensation to the families of the toddlers, who ranged in age from seven months to 18 months.

Shinker was convicted of committing approximately 60 separate assaults at a daycare center in Netanya. The indictment detailed acts including pushing, hitting, slapping, and pulling the children's hair, as well as ignoring their crying. In some instances, she kicked, pinched, and forcefully grabbed their faces. She also dragged or lifted children by their arms or hands, throwing them forcefully, even while they slept.

Surveillance cameras recorded the abuse, providing evidence for the court's decision. The court highlighted that despite stricter penalties for child abuse, serious assaults continue to occur in daycare facilities. Shinker's actions were described as violent and included physical mistreatment during both waking hours and sleep.