QUEENS, NY—The Bukharian Jewish community is grappling with shock and outrage following the arrest and indictment of a couple who ran a daycare center out of their Jamaica Estates home.
The charges, brought by Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, detail horrific instances of alleged abuse against infants and toddlers, leaving the close-knit community shaken and demanding justice.
Ilya and Ksenia Davydov, who operated KSE Service Inc. from their Jamaica Estates residence, are accused of multiple counts of attempted assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The allegations, stemming from an anonymous tip in December 2023, paint a disturbing picture of mistreatment.
According to the District Attorney’s office, the Davydovs’ alleged actions included grabbing and kicking babies, shoving a soiled diaper into an 11-month-old’s mouth, and dropping a child onto a table with such force that his cochlear implants detached. The daycare was immediately shut down following the initial investigation.
The details of the alleged abuse, revealed through video surveillance footage recovered from the home, have sent shockwaves through the Bukharian community.
Online forums and social media platforms, particularly Instagram account @bukhariancommunity, have become outlets for grief, anger, and calls for accountability.
Comments range from expressions of disbelief and heartbreak to demands for severe punishment.
One user, @mommyrn88, a comedian named Estee Palti, expressed a sense of detachment, stating, “Send them to Gaza. We don’t claim them.”
Others, like David Aronov (@davidaronovnyc), praised District Attorney Katz for her swift action.
@nyc_elan_israeli expressed a desire for the couple to face the consequences of their alleged actions, while @twindentist called them “disgusting swines.”
Many community members are grappling with the betrayal of trust. Diana Rachnaev (@dianarachnaev) emphasized the importance of open dialogue and vigilance, urging the community to “keep talking about this” and learn from the tragedy.
The emotional toll on parents who entrusted their children to the Davydovs’ care is immense. @esther_inspired_ offered a message of support to these parents, acknowledging their pain and reminding them that they are not to blame. She also expressed her disgust for the alleged actions of the couple, saying, “may Hashem give to you what you deserve.”
The incident has also sparked broader conversations about childcare practices within the community. Several commenters suggested that mothers should stay home with young children until they are old enough to communicate. @byjasmin_beauty advocated for “normalizing moms staying home with their young children.”
Others, like @olichka143, stressed the importance of choosing daycare facilities with transparent practices, including access to security footage, echoing a suggestion made by @verakal. The need for greater oversight and stricter regulations for home-based daycares has become a central point of discussion.
The community’s sense of security has been shattered. The alleged abuse has not only traumatized the affected children and their families but has also eroded the trust that is essential to any community, particularly one as close-knit as the Bukharian Jewish community.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the community will be closely watching, hoping for justice and seeking ways to ensure that such a horrific incident never happens again. The emotional scars, however, will likely linger for a long time, serving as a painful reminder of the vulnerability of children and the importance of vigilance.
Erin Levi