Ariel Daycare Staff Suspected of Abusing Over 200 Toddlers
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
The director and two caregivers at the "Lucik" private daycare in Ariel, Israel, are suspected of abusing over 200 toddlers. Allegations include physical abuse and neglect, with one caregiver linked to 187 incidents and another to 77. The investigation was triggered by an instructor's complaint. Parents are grappling with guilt and seeking support, while the municipality claims to be providing assistance despite the lack of legal responsibility for private facilities.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Two caregivers and the director of Ariel's "Lucik" daycare are suspected of abusing over 200 toddlers.
- One caregiver allegedly involved in 187 abuse incidents over 45 days.
- The investigation began after an instructor reported children being taken to a dark room.
- Parents report children exhibiting withdrawn behavior and developmental delays potentially linked to abuse.
- The Ariel municipality claims to be providing support to affected families.
The director and two caregivers at the private "Lucik" daycare center in Ariel are suspected of abusing toddlers, with allegations including throwing children to the floor, tying them up, and covering their faces. Police estimate that caregiver Darina (Dasha) Khalupa was involved in at least 187 abuse incidents over 45 days, while Anna Fegelsky is suspected in at least 77 cases. The director, Natalia Kisilevsky, is also under suspicion. The arrests of the three staff members have been extended. The investigation began after an instructor, who came to lead a class at the daycare, noticed children being taken to a dark room and heard crying from within. She filed a police complaint, initiating the probe.
Parents have expressed feelings of guilt for not realizing the abuse sooner. Hila Geller Feigin, whose daughter attended the daycare, stated that her child was previously withdrawn and quiet, but has since become more like a typical child her age. Another parent, Leon Feigin, believes his daughter's language development issues may be linked to her experiences at the daycare, describing her as "very submissive" during her time there. He also noted the staff's duplicitous behavior, praising children to parents while allegedly abusing them at the facility.
Parents also voiced frustration with the Ariel municipality, claiming it has not provided adequate support and has misrepresented the situation regarding children returning to other educational frameworks. The municipality, however, stated that while private daycares fall under the Ministry of Education's purview, it has been actively assisting families with support services, including a hotline, professional consultations, and the establishment of a supervised safe space for parents and toddlers. Mayor Yair Stabbon is reportedly in direct contact with the affected families.
Mentioned
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Centre 2
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
