Investigation Opens Into Alleged Sexual Abuse of 7-Year-Old at Special Needs Center in Beersheba

A serious complaint has been filed alleging the sexual abuse of a 7-year-old boy at the "Magshimim Pisgot" special needs daycare center in Beersheba, which operates under the Israeli Ministry of Welfare. The boy's father claims that a 17-year-old resident of the center sexually assaulted his son multiple times, with staff allegedly aware but failing to report the incidents. According to the complaint, one instructor reported the abuse to the center's social worker only after being dismissed, but no action was taken. The child has since been removed from the center, while the accused teenager remains there.

The father revealed that during part of the abuse, his son shared a room with the accused and other teenagers aged 14 to 16. The allegations surfaced publicly only in the past two weeks after a dismissed instructor informed the father. Further conversations with other instructors revealed prolonged sexual harassment, with one witness stating she saw inappropriate contact. The father asserts that staff knew about the abuse over a year ago but did not report it to authorities.

Attorney Lee Asaf Almakis, representing the family, condemned the center's handling of the case, emphasizing the severity of the allegations and the failure of staff to act despite knowledge of the abuse. She stressed the family's demand for a thorough investigation and accountability for anyone who concealed or ignored the abuse.

This complaint follows previous reports of violence at the same center, including an incident where a staff member physically assaulted children. The father noted that he had previously warned authorities about that staff member, who allegedly had a criminal record and worked without a license. Despite charges filed against him, the man reportedly returned to work at the center.

The police confirmed they have opened an investigation and have taken testimony from the child through a specialized child investigator. The Ministry of Welfare stated it treats all abuse allegations seriously and conducted comprehensive checks after receiving the father's report, finding no initial indications of abuse. Nevertheless, the child was sent with his father to a specialized protection center for further investigation. The child currently lives with his father, and the ministry continues to monitor his welfare closely.