Father Alleges Abuse in Ashkelon Kindergarten, Fears Cover-Up
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
A father in Ashkelon, identified as Ш., has reported witnessing disturbing video evidence of caregivers physically abusing children at the "Gan Ela" kindergarten. He fears the case is being covered up, as the caregivers have allegedly been rehired and the investigation has stalled. The abuse has led to behavioral changes in his son, and he is calling for a judicial inquiry. This incident echoes a previous case in Ariel involving alleged mistreatment captured on camera.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A father in Ashkelon reported seeing video of caregivers hitting and mistreating children at "Gan Ela" kindergarten.
- The father, Ш., fears the abuse case will be covered up and caregivers have allegedly been rehired.
- The alleged abuse has caused significant behavioral changes in his son, including aggression and self-harm.
- Parents were shown video evidence by Kiryat Malachi police during questioning.
- The father is demanding a judicial review and accountability for the alleged perpetrators.
- The case draws parallels to a similar alleged abuse incident at a kindergarten in Ariel.
A father in Ashkelon has come forward alleging severe mistreatment of children at the "Gan Ela" kindergarten, expressing fears that the case will be suppressed. The father, identified as Ш. by the Maariv newspaper, reported seeing police video footage showing caregivers hitting toddlers, throwing them on the floor, and tying them to chairs, sometimes during meals. He stated that his son became aggressive after the abuse, exhibiting self-harming behavior, throwing objects, and attempting to strike his younger sister with a rolling pin. The father also noted that children were returning home with visible marks and soiled diapers.
Following the revelation, the father and several other parents were summoned for questioning by the Kiryat Malachi police, where they were shown the incriminating videos. The father described the footage as "truly shocking" and felt compelled to speak out after witnessing it. He mentioned that he has had to miss work to help his wife manage their children due to the ongoing trauma.
According to Ш., the investigation has stalled, and the caregivers involved have reportedly been rehired. He is urging for a judicial review of the case, demanding accountability for those responsible and stating, "This case cannot be swept under the rug. Right now, I feel that's exactly what they are trying to do." He has encouraged other parents whose children may have also been affected to come forward.
This incident has drawn renewed attention to alleged child abuse in Israeli kindergartens, following a separate case in Ariel where a kindergarten owner and two assistants are suspected of mistreating children, with footage captured on surveillance cameras. Former Knesset Member Oren Hazan was involved in that case, reportedly delaying viewing the footage to maintain his strength for advocating for the affected children.
