Kindergarten workers charged with child abuse in Holon

The director of "Bimba" Kindergarten in Holon, Malka Malol (60) from Tel Aviv, along with assistants Eliza Cohen Tzemach (45) and Nur Shiloh (36) from Holon, have been convicted in over 300 cases of assault and child abuse. They admitted, as part of a plea agreement, to systematically and repeatedly beating the toddlers on a daily basis. The abuse included pulling them by their hands and feet, kicking, dragging, and forcefully slapping them.

The prosecution, represented by Attorney Yonatan Tal from the Tel Aviv District Attorney's Office (criminal), emphasized that the amended indictment revealed a consistent pattern of prolonged abuse and assault on vulnerable young children aged between three months and approximately three years. Throughout 2022, the defendants regularly attacked the toddlers, causing significant harm such as sleep disorders, eating disturbances, tantrums, and aggressive behaviour.

Regarding the plea agreement, there is no settlement on the punishment yet, and the prosecution intends to seek a substantial and deterrent penalty for the defendants. The settlement was reached following extensive discussions with the affected families and on the recommendation of the mediation judge. The court has approved the prosecution's request to close down the kindergarten and impose restrictions prohibiting the defendants from any occupation involving the care or supervision of children.