Kindergarten Staff Arrested in Ariel on Suspicion of Severe Child Abuse

A kindergarten manager and two caregivers in Ariel have been arrested on suspicion of severe child abuse. Natalia Kislevsky, the manager of a private daycare, along with caregivers Drina Khalfa and Anna Pegelski, had their detention extended until Sunday. Police are accusing the three of offenses related to the abuse and harm of helpless individuals, with the investigation ongoing in the Judea and Samaria district.

A source involved in the investigation told N12 that the evidence includes over 200 hours of footage, describing the cruelty as "unusual, this is Carmel Ud'a on steroids." The investigation began after a new employee at the daycare reported her suspicions to the Ariel police station. She noticed infants crying and being sent to a "dark room," prompting her to contact authorities. An initial review of the video material left no doubt about the validity of the suspicions.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the two caregivers and the manager. "During thousands of hours of viewing, we saw horrors," a source close to the investigation stated. "The footage shows the caregivers choking, tying up, throwing, and slamming infants onto the floor, actual abuse." One caregiver is linked to approximately 187 alleged incidents of abuse, while the other is associated with around 97.

During a court hearing, a police investigator informed the judge that they had not yet finished reviewing all the materials. Parents of the toddlers at the daycare were present and visibly distressed. Former MK Oren Hazan, a parent whose children attended the daycare, expressed his anguish, stating, "They murdered the souls of my children."

Prosecutors are expected to file serious indictments against the two caregivers and the manager next week.