A chareidi couple in their 20s, from the southern city of Ofakim, is in police custody on suspicion of beating their 18-month-old daughter. The child is currently admitted to Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva and following the intervention of social services, the couple was arraigned on Thursday, 14 Menachem Av, at which time social services requested their extended remand.

Officials in Soroka called police to report suspected child abuse based on the toddler’s injuries. The child exhibits bruises on her entire body, synonymous with ongoing physical abuse. After doctors spoke with the parents and realized their explanations were inconsistent with the bruising exhibited on their daughter’s body, they turned to police. The mom and dad were taken into custody on Wednesday.

Police explain that the case is now in the hands of social services. In the interim, the parents remain in custody.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)