Ariel Daycare Director and Caregivers Arrested Over Systematic Toddler Abuse
The director and two caregivers at the Lutchik private daycare in Ariel have been arrested amid suspicions of systematic abuse involving dozens of violent incidents against toddlers.
A private daycare center named "Lutchik" (meaning "little ray of light" in Russian) in the West Bank city of Ariel has become the center of a severe child abuse investigation. The facility's director, Natalia Kiselevsky, along with two caregivers, Darina (Dasha) Khalufa and Anna Peglasky, are suspected of systematic abuse against helpless toddlers.
According to police findings presented in court, the suspects are linked to dozens of violent incidents. Caregiver Anna Peglasky is suspected of involvement in at least 77 cases of abuse, while assistant Darina Khalufa is suspected in at least 187 instances over a 45-day period. Investigators stated that some violent episodes involved both caregivers working in tandem, with incidents lasting several minutes. The alleged abuse included throwing toddlers to the floor, tying their hands and feet, and covering their faces.
The case came to light following a report by an external instructor who visited the facility to conduct a class. She noticed that restless children were taken into a dark room, and even after the caregiver returned, crying could still be heard from inside. Following her complaint to local police, an investigation was launched. The Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court extended the remand of the director and the two caregivers until Wednesday.
Parents of the children expressed profound shock and guilt over failing to protect their children in real time. Hila Geller Faygin, a parent from Ariel, recounted that she enrolled her daughter based on countless recommendations. Another parent, Leon Faygin, whose daughter attended the daycare, noted behavioral improvements only after she was removed from the facility, stating she has become more expressive and relaxed. Parents also voiced sharp criticism against the Ariel municipality, accusing local authorities of failing to provide adequate psychological support and assistance in relocating the children.
In response, the Ariel Municipality stated that private daycares operate under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education rather than municipal authorities. However, Mayor Yair Stavton instructed relevant departments to provide comprehensive support, including a dedicated hotline, professional counseling, psychological services, and active assistance in finding alternative childcare arrangements.
