Assistant and Director Charged with Abuse at Unlicensed Tel Aviv Daycare

A one-year-old toddler's broken arm led to the exposure of severe abuse at the private daycare center "Smiles" in Tel Aviv. On Monday, an indictment was filed against assistant Ortal Levi for dozens of assault and abuse cases involving helpless infants aged six months to one and a half years, and against daycare director Natali Shahar for assaulting two toddlers and failing to prevent the violence. The indictment, submitted to the Tel Aviv District Court, details serious offenses committed between September and December 2024, when 21 infants were under their care. Levi was employed as an assistant, while Shahar managed the center and also worked as a caregiver. The daycare operated without the required license during this period.

One documented incident describes Levi forcibly twisting a sleeping toddler's right arm in the changing room, causing the child to cry out in pain and later diagnosed with a spiral fracture of the humerus at Ichilov Hospital. Levi did not report the injury or seek immediate medical care. The indictment accuses her of causing serious bodily harm to a minor under her responsibility. More broadly, Levi is alleged to have repeatedly abused the toddlers by handling them roughly, throwing them onto mattresses and floors, pulling their limbs, covering their faces with blankets, and hitting them. Security footage reportedly captures dozens of such incidents.

Director Shahar is accused of ignoring repeated parental complaints and warnings from a trainee assistant about Levi's aggressive behavior. Despite witnessing some assaults, Shahar allegedly failed to investigate or stop the abuse. She is also charged with assaulting two toddlers herself, including holding one upside down by the legs and pushing another's head into a mattress. Both women face charges of aggravated assault and breach of duty.

The state has requested to extend restrictive conditions on Levi and Shahar, including bans on working with children during the legal proceedings. Evidence includes testimonies from parents and staff, as well as a message from Levi admitting to twisting a child's arm "unintentionally." Medical expert opinions confirm the injury was caused by rotational force inconsistent with Levi's account. A child psychiatry expert who reviewed the footage concluded the children suffered physical and emotional abuse and may develop post-traumatic stress disorder. A trainee assistant reported Levi's violent conduct to Shahar, who expressed shock but instructed the trainee not to share the information further.