Three Carers Charged with Abuse of 17 Infants in Ariel Daycare

The State Prosecutor's Office has filed an indictment against Natalia Kasilvsky, 37, the manager of the "Luchik" private daycare in Ariel, and two carers, Darina Khalfa, 37, and Anna Pagelski, 40. The indictment details over 400 incidents of abuse and assault against 17 infants and toddlers, aged six months to three years, at the facility. Prosecutors are requesting the court order their detention until the legal proceedings conclude.

The indictment, filed by attorney Yehonatan Eilon-Hirsch, describes a severe and unprecedented pattern of ongoing violence and abuse against the young children. The accused allegedly exploited their positions, the power imbalance, and the toddlers' complete dependence on them to assault, abuse, and inflict physical and emotional pain.

Prosecutors have charged the women with multiple counts of child abuse, assault causing actual bodily harm, and aggravated assault. The indictment outlines cruel "punishment methods" employed at the daycare, including "choking" by forcibly blocking infants' airways with hands, paper, or cloth, and shaking them violently. They are also accused of "binding" infants tightly in fabrics and blankets, restricting their movement, and force-feeding them while restrained. Additionally, children were allegedly locked in a dark room as punishment.

The indictment also includes charges of psychological abuse, as the alleged acts were often carried out in front of other children, exposing them to the violence. The investigation was conducted by the Samaria Police and Ariel station.

In their request for pre-trial detention, prosecutors emphasized the high risk posed by the accused, citing the nature and frequency of the acts, the victims' young age, and the systematic betrayal of parental trust. The daycare, instead of being a safe environment, allegedly became a place of constant fear for the toddlers.