Mother Recounts Trauma of Children's Abuse at Ariel Daycare

Rinat Hazan, mother to two children who were allegedly abused at the Luccik daycare center in Ariel, described the harrowing signs of mistreatment her children exhibited. She explained that her son, Imri, and daughter, Ayir, had been enrolled at the facility for two years and a year and a half, respectively. Hazan recounted instances where Imri mentioned a caregiver hitting another child, and she had taken him to the emergency room for a cut on his forehead, initially attributing it to his boisterous nature. She also noted that both children would wake up screaming at night. Only after the scandal broke did she and other parents realize that many children displayed similar injuries, including bruises, cuts, and scratches, and regretted not sharing their concerns earlier.

Hazan revealed that she was unaware of the available methods for monitoring the daycare's cameras, which included live feeds, weekly random checks, or anonymous complaints. The case came to light when an instructor, during a routine visit, witnessed a baby being placed in a dark room and observed the caregivers' mistreatment, leading her to report the incident to the Ariel police. Hazan stated she has not viewed the footage herself, fearing it would prevent her from functioning, but sees the effects on her children. She described her daughter Ayir's disturbing habit of hitting herself before falling asleep, a behavior she believes stems from the abuse.

Following the daycare's closure, Imri is now attending a municipal kindergarten with five other former Luccik students, while Ayir remains at home. Hazan took three weeks off work after the incident and has since returned, hiring a babysitter. She mentioned that Ayir's case was initially deemed not severe enough for the indictment, but she expects it to be included in a second indictment, as the existing footage only covers the first three weeks of the year. Hazan expressed her belief that the daycare director's alleged abusive behavior is deeply ingrained.

The emotional toll on the family has been immense. Hazan described being unable to get out of bed for days after the scandal broke, even missing the Friday night Kiddush ritual. She has begun psychological therapy to help her children, who are too young for treatment, and her husband, former MK Oren Hazan, is committed to seeking justice and advocating for legislative changes. Hazan's best advice has been to focus on her children's resilience and look forward, while her worst advice was simply receiving hugs and support.