Daycare Worker Sentenced to 10 Years for Abusing 8 Infants

The Central District Court in Lod has sentenced Rawan Abdel Hay, a former assistant at the "Gan Sheli Segal" daycare in Hod HaSharon, to 10 years in prison. She was convicted of 277 assaults against 8 infants aged between 8 months and 1.5 years. The abuse, which occurred between May and July 2023, involved repeated violence against the children. Abdel Hay was found guilty on nine counts of abusing a helpless minor and 122 counts of aggravated assault. In one documented incident, she kicked a baby lying on a mattress and then struck its head and back forcefully when it raised its head. In addition to prison time, the court ordered Abdel Hay to pay 450,000 shekels in compensation to the affected families. Abdel Hay expressed remorse, stating, "I am very sorry, and I know that the word apology cannot erase the psychological trauma." Her defense attorney, Konforti, argued that his client had not shirked responsibility, noting that the defense had agreed to the video evidence and did not request witness interrogations. He also pointed out that the court acquitted her of some charges and requested leniency due to her young age and lack of prior criminal record. Abdel Hay had previously addressed the court, saying, "I am very sorry, and I know that the word apology cannot erase the psychological trauma and what they went through."