Serious Charges Filed Against Owners and Assistants of Tel Aviv 'Gan Hiyuchim' Nursery for Child Abuse

Two indictments have been filed against the owner and two assistants of the 'Gan Hiyuchim' nursery in Tel Aviv, accusing them of assault and abuse of toddlers. According to the charges, one assistant caused a toddler to suffer a broken arm, while the prosecution has requested a ban on the accused working with minors during the legal proceedings.

The indictment details how assistant Ortal Levi created an atmosphere of fear in the nursery, treating toddlers like objects by throwing them onto the floor or mattress, pulling them forcefully by their arms, pinching, hitting, and pushing them. Some toddlers suffered injuries, sleep disturbances, eating disorders, weight loss, and behavioral changes. In one incident, Levi twisted a toddler's arm while changing his diaper, causing a fracture. The child cried, threw his head back, avoided using the arm all day, and was later hospitalized and placed in a cast without the parents being informed promptly.

Levi faces charges of assault causing serious injury, aggravated assault, and child abuse. The nursery owner, Natali Shahar, is charged with aggravated assault and breach of duty as a guardian. A second assistant, Ronit Shira Ariel, 63, from Bat Yam, is also indicted for aggravated assault after reportedly pulling toddlers by one hand, pushing their heads into mattresses, and force-feeding a child.

Alongside the indictments, the prosecution has requested to extend the ban preventing the accused from working with minors until the conclusion of the trial. The case has drawn public attention following parents' protests and the release of disturbing footage from the nursery.