Israel to Allow 'Kidnapped' Designation on Gravestones of Fallen Soldiers

Israel's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee is set to discuss new regulations that would permit the addition of the word "kidnapped" and the date of abduction to the gravestones of soldiers who were taken captive and later returned for burial. The proposed change stems from requests by the families of fallen soldiers, who sought to acknowledge the unique circumstances of their loved ones' deaths, kidnappings, and subsequent burials.

Robi Chen, father of Sergeant Major Itai Chen, led the initiative on behalf of the families, joined by others who experienced similar tragedies. The matter was reviewed by the Public Council for Commemoration of the Soldier, which recommended approving inscriptions on the gravestones that reflect the unusual circumstances of the soldiers' deaths and return, while maintaining the standard uniformity of military gravestones.

The initiative was coordinated with the IDF, the Families and Commemoration Division, and the legal advisor to the defense establishment. Following the committee's approval of the regulations, the replacement of headstone markers for 20 fallen soldiers and three civilian gravestones is expected to commence promptly, in coordination with the families.

There is an urgent push to complete the replacement of these headstone markers before October 7, highlighting the committee's expedited review process.