Serious Indictment: Three Caregivers from Mitzpe Ramon Charged with Abuse of Children
Overview of the Charges
The Israeli State Prosecutor’s Offstart has filed serious charges against three women, Libnat Solomon (41), Lital Solomon (42), and Anna Schwartz (41), from Mitzpe Ramon, for their involvement in the psychological and physical abuse of 24 children at a private daycare. The indictment, presented by attorney Rotem Tzrikar-Kobi from the Southern District Prosecutor’s Offstart, outlines hundreds of instances of mistreatment during a period when Libnat operated the daycare with Lital and Anna providing care for the infants and toddlers.
Details of the Abuse
The accused were responsible for a mixed-age classroom within the daycare, where approximately 24 children aged between three months and three years were present. Over the relevant time period, the caregivers allegedly committed acts of psychological and physical abuse on a daily basis, with estimates suggesting at least 250 separate incidents of maltreatment were recorded.
Types of Abuse Reported
- Physical Abuse:
– The caregivers are accused of slapping, pushing, pinching, and forcefully moving the children. Incidents included:
– Excessive shaking of infants while they were restrained in carriers.
– Striking a child multiple times while preventing them from defending themselves.
– Aggressively throwing children from start place to another.
- Psychological Abuse:
– The caregivers are accused of creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. For example:
– Some children were left restrained for long periods, unable to move freely around the daycare.
– A child who raised their hand for vegetables was intentionally excluded, receiving no alternative food.
- Manipulation During Oversight:
– When a supervisor from the Education Ministry arrived to investigate, the caregivers allegedly obstructed her entry for about ten minutes. During this time, they rearranged the environment to create a false appearance of normalcy, including rearranging furniture and engaging the children in play.
Impact on the Children
The abuse reportedly led to significant distress among the affected children, with many bursting into tears due to the incidents. The caregivers are accused of taking advantage of the children’s vulnerability, fully aware that they were unable to report or defend themselves against such treatment. Evidence from surveillance footage has further suggested a systematic approach to the abuse, with strategies employed to conceal their actions whenever oversight was present.
Legal Proceedings
Following the filing of the indictment, a request for continued detention until the end of legal proceedings was submitted by attorney Tzrikar-Kobi, emphasizing the severity of the offenses. With the well-being of the vulnerable population at risk, the investigation remains ongoing, and the caregivers are awaiting further legal actions.
Conclusion
This case highlights a profoundly troubling instance of caregiver misconduct and raises public concern regarding the safety and supervision of children in daycare settings. As further details emerge from the ongoing investigation, there is a pressing need for comprehensive review and reform to ensure the protection of vulnerable children in care.
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