Ariel Daycare Abuse Scandal: Manager Denies Wrongdoing Amidst Disturbing Recordings
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS by baba
Police in Ariel have uncovered a severe child abuse case at the private "Luchi" daycare center, involving alleged violence against toddlers. The kindergarten manager, Natalia Kisilevsky, is heard denying wrongdoing in a leaked recording, but investigators suspect her involvement in 18 assault incidents. Two caregivers, Darina Khalfa and Anna Pagelski, are accused of hundreds of abuse instances. The suspects' arrests have been extended as police prepare to file charges.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ariel police uncovered severe child abuse at the private "Luchi" daycare center.
- Manager Natalia Kisilevsky denies wrongdoing but is suspected of 18 assaults.
- Caregivers Darina Khalfa and Anna Pagelski face hundreds of abuse allegations.
- The cruelty at the daycare was described by police as "unseen in routine."
- The suspects' arrests have been extended pending expected charges.
Police in Ariel have uncovered a severe child abuse case at the private "Luchi" daycare center, where toddlers allegedly suffered extensive physical and emotional abuse. The investigation revealed a pattern of systematic violence, including hitting, slapping, binding, and gagging the children. Authorities described the incidents as among the most shocking and disturbing abuse cases investigated in recent years, with one police representative calling the cruelty "unseen in routine."
An exclusive recording features the kindergarten manager, Natalia Kisilevsky, attempting to distance herself from the alleged abuse, blaming two caregivers, Darina Khalfa and Anna Pagelski. Kisilevsky is heard saying, "I've never seen them do anything wrong." However, the investigation has reportedly identified 18 instances where Kisilevsky herself is suspected of assault, and five more where she was present but allegedly did not intervene.
Parents, who entrusted their children to caregivers they called "angels," expressed shock and disbelief. Linal Hoffman, a mother of children at the daycare, described hearing the details as "horrifying." Another mother, Liat Avraham, shared her pain, realizing her son, who had attended for three years, might not understand that such treatment is abnormal.
Former MK Oren Hazan, whose children also attended the daycare, expressed his devastation and vowed to push for stronger legislation, referencing his past efforts on "camera laws" for daycares. The extent of the alleged abuse is staggering, with Darina Khalfa accused of 187 incidents and Anna Pagelski of 77, along with dozens more where they were present but inactive.
The arrests of the three suspects have been extended, with police expected to file charges soon. The parents, who have not yet been allowed to view the disturbing video evidence, are now focused on their children's recovery and restoring their sense of security. Further investigations are expected, with more individuals potentially being questioned.
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