Israeli Prosecutors Charge Daycare Owner and Assistants with Infant Abuse in Tel Aviv

The Israeli State Prosecutor's Office filed two indictments on Monday against the owner and two assistants of the "Gan Haim" daycare center in Tel Aviv, accusing them of physically abusing infants and toddlers aged six months to one and a half years. The defendants include the daycare owner, 42-year-old Natali Shahar, and assistants Ortal Levi, 39, and Ronit Shira Ariel, 63.

According to the indictment, Ortal Levi caused a toddler to suffer a broken arm during care but failed to inform the parents despite the child’s crying and refusal to use the injured hand. The child required hospital treatment, including a cast and observation. Prosecutors allege Levi repeatedly abused infants starting November 2024, creating an atmosphere of fear through physical force such as pulling, pushing, and hitting. Several toddlers reportedly experienced injuries, behavioral changes, sleep and eating disturbances, and weight loss as a result.

Owner Natali Shahar is accused of personally assaulting two toddlers and being present during some abuse incidents without intervening. Levi faces charges of child abuse and assault, while Shahar is charged with aggravated assault and breach of duty. Separately, Ronit Shira Ariel is indicted in Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court for aggravated assault against toddlers.

The prosecution requested to extend a ban preventing all three women from working with minors until the legal proceedings conclude. A gag order protects the identities of the affected children.

Summary: Israeli prosecutors charged a Tel Aviv daycare owner and two assistants with repeated physical abuse of infants, including causing a broken arm, leading to hospital treatment and behavioral harm. They seek to bar the accused from working with children during the trial.