Memorial Services via 'Choice Days': New Rights for Families of Civilian Bereavement
The Knesset has approved an amendment to the Annual Leave Law, allowing employees to use a 'choice day' to attend a memorial service for a first-degree relative who passed away under civilian circumstances.
For years, families who experienced civilian bereavement faced an absurd situation: to attend a memorial service (azkara) for a father, mother, spouse, or child, employees had to request permission from their employer and explain the circumstances of their loss to utilize their vacation quota. This situation has now changed following an important amendment to the Annual Leave Law, recently approved by the Knesset.
Previously, the state recognized the right to mark memorial days within the framework of employee rights primarily for families of fallen IDF soldiers and victims of hostilities. Families who lost loved ones due to illness, car accidents, or other civilian circumstances lacked these guarantees. Now, thanks to the 'Hamaniot' association and Knesset members, this recognition has been expanded to include all families of civilian bereavement.
What the Amendment Changes
The memorial day for a first-degree relative (parents, children, spouses, siblings) has been officially added to the list of 'choice days.' Employees may use one of their 'choice days' for a memorial service without the employer being able to refuse, provided that prior notice is given.
Adv. Yahav Shorer, head of the rights realization department at 'Hamaniot,' explains: 'The law does not create an additional vacation day, but allows the use of existing 'choice days' for memorial services. This grants families public recognition and the moral right to personal space on the most painful day of the year.'
Key Implementation Details
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Notice: Employees are required to provide 30 days' notice, unless a shorter period is stipulated in a collective or personal agreement.
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Dates: The law does not restrict the choice between the Hebrew or Gregorian date of death; the employee determines which date to mark.
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Sector: The amendment applies to both the public and private sectors.
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Scope: The right applies only to first-degree relatives. Grandparents are not included in this category.
If an employer refuses to grant a 'choice day' despite the employee meeting all legal requirements, the employee may have grounds for a labor lawsuit. For further assistance, contact the 'Hamaniot' association via WhatsApp at 050-4843384.
