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

A serious allegation has emerged regarding the sexual abuse of a 7-year-old boy at the "Megashmim Pisgot" special needs daycare center in Beersheba, which is overseen by 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 abuse. According to the complaint, one instructor reported the incidents 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 youth remains there.

The father revealed that the abuse occurred over an extended period, starting when his son was six years old, and that the boy shared a room with the accused and other teenagers aged 14 to 16. The case came to light in the past two weeks after a former instructor informed the father about the sexual harassment. Additional staff members corroborated the claims, with one witnessing inappropriate contact. The father stated that the center's management had known about the allegations for over a year but failed to report them to the police.

Attorney Lee Asaf Almakis, representing the family, condemned the center's handling of the case, emphasizing the severity of the allegations and the staff's failure to act. She stressed that the family demands a thorough investigation and accountability for anyone who knew about the abuse and did not intervene.

This complaint follows previous reports of violence at the same center, including an incident where a staff member physically assaulted children. The father mentioned that despite warnings about this staff member's criminal background and unlicensed status, he was allowed to continue working there.

The police have opened an investigation, with a specialized child investigator interviewing the victim. The Ministry of Welfare stated it takes all abuse allegations seriously and has conducted comprehensive checks, including sending the child for a specialized forensic interview. The child currently lives with his father and remains in contact with the center through after-school visits. The ministry pledged to continue supporting the child’s safety and well-being throughout the investigation.