Father Fears Abuse Case Will Be Buried After Viewing Son's Torture Footage

A father in Ashkelon is expressing deep concern that a legal case involving the alleged abuse of toddlers at the "Gan Ella" daycare center may be dismissed, after he viewed disturbing video evidence of the mistreatment. The father, identified only as "S.," described the severe behavioral changes in his son, including aggression and self-harm, following his time at the daycare. He recounted being called to a police investigation in Kiryat Malakhi, where he and other parents were shown video footage depicting children being beaten, tied to chairs, and subjected to other forms of violence. "It was terrible," he stated, adding that the children were too young to understand what was happening. The father fears the case is being deliberately "buried" and is urging other parents and authorities to ensure it proceeds to trial. He emphasized the emotional and practical toll the situation has taken on his family, impacting his ability to work and requiring constant care for his children. He believes the court must deliver justice and that the daycare workers responsible should be punished. He also noted that the caregivers were hired despite the ongoing investigation, a fact he finds baffling given the parents' efforts to care for their children. Another parent, also referred to as "S.," shared his shock after seeing the videos, which showed caregivers hitting children during meals and neglecting their basic needs, such as changing diapers, leading to the children returning home smelling bad.