Ariel abuse affair - Education Ministry officials to meet with parents: "Severe failure"

Senior Education Ministry officials will meet today with the parents of toddlers from the Luchik daycare in Ariel, amid the suspected abuse affair. The parents sharply criticize the supervision failure, noting that the daycare inspection did not include a review of cameras. Yesterday, a prosecutor's statement was filed against the daycare owner and two assistants.

Senior Education Ministry officials will arrive in Ariel to meet with the parents of toddlers from the Luchik daycare, where the suspected abuse affair was uncovered. Among the expected officials are Orna Paz, director of the Early Childhood Education Division, and Einav Look, a senior official in the Psychological Counseling Service. The parents' circle sharply criticizes the Education Ministry and points to a severe failure in daycare supervision. According to them, inspectors visited the daycare, concluded everything was fine, and gave a positive assessment, but no one checked the cameras. No further supervision was conducted since that visit. The meeting takes place against the backdrop of the advancing police investigation, which has revealed hundreds of suspected abuse incidents, including throwing, choking, shaking, and other violent acts. Yesterday, a prosecutor's statement was filed against the daycare owner and two assistants. The parents intend to raise tough questions regarding the ministry's responsibility and how inspections were carried out.