In First, Knesset Passes Bill for Recognition of Bereaved Siblings and Their Rights

YERUSHALAYIM

The outgoing Knesset passed a law regulating the rights of bereaved siblings for the first time since Israel’s inception.

​​The Knesset on Thursday gave final approval to the Fallen Soldiers’ Families Bill (Benefits and Rehabilitation, Bereaved Siblings), 2022.

The bill proposes that the sibling of a person who died in the course of his service in the security forces or died as a result of a hostile act will be recognized as part of the bereaved family of the deceased. It is also proposed that the bereaved siblings be given an official notification of the death and of memorial events, and that the Defense Ministry inform them of the benefits to which they are entitled.

The explanatory notes to the bill state: “The current protocol with regard to informing families of fallen security personnel or victims of hostile acts stipulates that the family members that receive notification are the spouse, parents and children of the deceased, and there is no mention of the siblings. The same is true for updating about various events held in the context of the circumstances of the person’s death, such as memorial ceremonies. In many cases, the siblings are notified by other family members, but not always.

“The purpose of this bill is to give recognition to bereaved brothers and sisters, to ensure that they receive official notification of the tragedy and associated ceremonies and events, to enable them to participate in ceremonies and events, and to inform them of the rights to which they are entitled.”

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