In a northern Israeli neighborhood, home to many Ethiopian immigrants, a disturbing situation has been unfolding, leaving residents increasingly worried about the safety of their children. At the center of these concerns is an elderly man, known only as L., whose extensive interactions with local children have raised serious red flags among parents and community members, as described in the Shishishabbat segment of Israel Hayom.
L., described as a white, seemingly religious man in his 60s, has been observed for years engaging in a wide range of activities with neighborhood children, primarily those from Ethiopian immigrant families aged 5-8. His behavior, which spans from public spaces to private encounters, has become a source of growing anxiety in the community.
Public Interactions and Gift-Giving
Witnesses report seeing L. spend hours in the company of children in various public spaces, including the neighborhood's large park, the entrance to the local synagogue, and playgrounds. Alarmingly, these interactions often occur in plain sight, sometimes with parental consent, but frequently without parental knowledge or even against explicit prohibitions.
One of L.'s most noticeable and concerning behaviors is his habit of buying sweets and gifts for the children. Almaz, a mother of five including a 6-year-old daughter, shared her experiences with visible distress. "This is a disadvantaged neighborhood," she explained, her voice tinged with worry. "He tempts the children with something their parents can't provide."
L. has been observed purchasing items for children and sometimes their mothers in the local supermarket. More concerning is his practice of taking groups of children to a large candy store across a busy street, allowing them to choose sweets.
Potentially Dangerous Activities
Witnesses have reported seeing L. engage in activities that put children's safety at risk. He has been observed riding multiple children on his electric bicycle without helmets, often crossing busy streets. "He rides two, three, even four children at a time on that bike," one resident noted, the fear evident in their voice. "It's an accident waiting to happen."
Late-Night Encounters and Home Visits
Perhaps most alarming are the reports of L.'s late-night encounters with children and invitations to his home. Mariel, an older sister to two affected children, recounted a disturbing incident where she found her younger sister, Eden, sitting alone with L. on a park bench in a secluded, dark area late at night.
Multiple children have reported visiting L.'s house, where activities reportedly include eating sweets, jumping on his bed, watching movies, and playing with toys he claims belong to his grandchildren. Some children mentioned L. showering while they were present in his home, and there are accounts of him being alone in a room with individual children.
Community Response and Authorities' Actions
The community's unease is palpable. Arie, a neighborhood resident who decided to speak up, expressed his frustration: "The saddest thing is that people are used to it. L. does it in front of everyone. I saw him in the supermarket, buying things for kids, and for their mother too. He hugs the girl in the supermarket, and tells people around: 'I'm helping them, they're pitiful', and people tell him 'How nice'."
Following attempts to bring attention to the issue, some residents, including Mariel and Almaz, reported receiving threats. In one incident, all four tires of their cars were slashed by an unknown individual.
Local authorities have been alerted to the situation. The police have opened an investigation, stating, "We take seriously any suspicion of sexual abuse and attempted sexual abuse, especially when it comes to minors." They urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
The local municipality's Welfare and Social Security Department has also become involved. They are working to increase awareness among parents and have enlisted social workers to guide families on being vigilant and preventing their children from interacting with L.
Concerns of Racial Bias
Despite these efforts, some residents feel the response has been inadequate. One resident pointedly remarked, "If I had reported to the police that an elderly Ethiopian man was hanging around with children in Ramat Aviv - within a minute there would be five patrol cars there," highlighting concerns about potential racial bias in the handling of the case.
A Community on Edge
As the investigation continues, the community remains deeply concerned. Parents are being urged to be extra vigilant, and authorities are working to ensure the safety of the neighborhood's most vulnerable residents.