Three Tel Aviv daycare workers indicted over alleged physical abuse of infants, toddlers

Three workers at Gan Hiyuchim, a private Tel Aviv daycare, were indicted on Monday for alleged repeated assault and abuse of infants and toddlers aged six months to one-and-a-half years old. Ortal Levi, 39, an assistant, faces charges including causing a spiral fracture to a child's arm in December 2024, and multiple counts of assaulting and abusing minors. Natalie Shahar, 42, the daycare owner and manager, is accused of assaulting two children herself and failing to prevent the alleged violence by her assistants, despite parental complaints and warnings. Ronit Shira Ariel, 63, another assistant, was also indicted on 15 counts of aggravated assault. Prosecutors allege the daycare operated without a required business license and that the incidents occurred between September and December 2024, affecting 21 children.