Jerusalem police arrest caregiver on suspicion of abuse and neglect of toddlers

Jerusalem police have arrested a 49-year-old caregiver on suspicion of abusing and neglecting two toddlers under her care in the Har Homa neighborhood. The investigation began after authorities received complaints detailing alleged mistreatment, including shouting, cursing, and ignoring the children's needs. The suspect was detained for questioning, and the Magistrate's Court extended her detention until June 29, 2026.

This incident highlights a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse by caregivers in Israel. In February, a Netanya-based caregiver was convicted of abusing 12 toddlers between seven months and 18 months old. Court documents revealed approximately 60 incidents where the caregiver allegedly shoved, hit, slapped, and pulled the hair of the children, while also ignoring their crying. These actions were captured on the kindergarten's security cameras, and the caregiver pleaded guilty to most charges.

Further compounding concerns, the Beersheba District Court recently sentenced two other caregivers for multiple offenses involving the assault of toddlers. Shita Amasho, 34, received a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence, while 25-year-old Uriya Bidush was sentenced to 27 months. Judge Noa Haklai emphasized the critical developmental period during which the toddlers were harmed, transforming their daycare, which should have been a safe haven, into a site of danger.

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The toddlers were harmed during a critical period, and the daycare that was supposed to be a place of safety became a site of danger.