Sports Coach Arrested for Alleged Sexual Abuse of Disabled Girls in Israeli Hostel

Israeli police arrested Gilboa Dahan, a 50-year-old sports coach from Netanya, on suspicion of sexually abusing several female residents with cognitive disabilities at a children's hostel in Kfar Saba. The investigation, which involved covert surveillance, uncovered video evidence showing Dahan committing indecent acts against multiple vulnerable girls under his care. The victims' cognitive impairments prevent them from reporting the abuse themselves, according to police.

Dahan was brought before the Petah Tikva Magistrate's Court on Thursday, where police requested to extend his detention. Police sergeant Ariel Amsalem described the footage to the court, emphasizing the severity of the offenses and noting that Dahan had also worked as a sports coach in other institutions. The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional victims exist.

Dahan denies all allegations, claiming any contact with the girls was part of assistance he provided. His attorneys, Amir Kimchi and Yehudit Ela Shaked, stated that the investigation is still underway and urged patience until its conclusion. The court extended Dahan's detention by four days, until Sunday, to allow police to complete their inquiries.