Former MK Oren Hazan Breaks Down Over Alleged Abuse at Ariel Daycare

Former Knesset member Oren Hazan became emotional during an interview with i24NEWS, detailing alleged severe abuse of infants and toddlers at a private daycare in Ariel, a case he described as "the worst abuse case this country has known." Hazan, whose children attended the facility, recounted accusations of children being slammed against floors and walls, starved, and suffocated. He described a particularly cruel alleged practice where children were tied up and choked for up to 30 seconds to silence them.

The investigation has revealed hundreds of alleged violent incidents, including choking, gagging, shaking, and slamming of children aged six months to three years. Police described the acts as occurring "day and night, hour by hour." The daycare director, Natalia Kislevsky, and caregivers Darina Khalfa and Anna Pegelski have been named as suspects. Kislevsky is accused of 18 assault incidents and presence during five others, while Khalfa is also suspected of attempting to delete security footage.

The case came to light when an instructor noticed unusual behavior and contacted the police. Security camera footage revealed numerous alleged instances of violence. A court hearing disclosed that investigators have identified 187 violent incidents attributed to Khalfa, 77 to Pegelski, and 18 to Kislevsky. These incidents reportedly included slamming, shaking, hitting, tying up, and obstructing children's airways.

Hazan expressed his shock, stating he had no idea his own children were being harmed, as they always appeared clean and happy when he picked them up. He urged other parents to be vigilant and report any suspicions. The events at the Ariel daycare are being compared to the 2018 Carmel Mauda case in Rosh Ha'ayin, where a daycare owner was convicted of abusing toddlers and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison.

The investigation is ongoing, and the extent of the abuse and criminal responsibility is yet to be determined. A prosecutor's statement may be filed soon, potentially leading to indictments. The maximum penalty for elder abuse in Israel is nine years imprisonment, with potential for a longer sentence if multiple offenses are proven.