Daughter of Carmel Mauda Abuse Victim Uncovers Family's Past Through Internet Research
Yossi Chebera's daughter, Lin, was a toddler when the Carmel Mauda abuse scandal broke in summer 2019. Now 10 years old, Lin discovered the painful truth about her past on her own by researching her father and the case online after hearing about it from classmates. Her parents had delayed telling her, hoping to control when and how she would learn about the abuse she suffered as a child in the "Baby Love" daycare in Rosh HaAyin, where Mauda was convicted of cruel abuse.
Lin's curiosity grew after seeing a photo of herself and her father on TV and hearing details from other children. By third grade, she was deeply engaged in uncovering the story, prompting her parents to finally have a difficult conversation with her. Lin asked her father, "Why did you send me there?" and expressed a desire to confront Mauda herself one day. Chebera describes Lin as mature and inquisitive, often recalling memories from the daycare despite being very young at the time.
Mauda was convicted of 18 counts of abuse and 35 counts of assault against ten toddlers and sentenced to nine and a half years in prison, along with compensation payments. Chebera criticized the prosecution for excluding Lin from the indictment and for ignoring his requests to release security footage showing Lin during the abuse. He believes the case marked a turning point in Israel's handling of early childhood abuse and led to stricter laws and surveillance requirements in daycares.
The family has paid a heavy price, with Chebera describing personal struggles including anxiety and family breakdown. He and his partner founded an advocacy group to fight abuse in early childhood settings. As Mauda approaches eligibility for early release after serving two-thirds of her sentence, Chebera opposes it, emphasizing the lasting trauma to victims and families. He continues to support Lin as she seeks answers and processes her experience, acknowledging the ongoing impact of the case on their lives.
