Israel Expands Bereavement Leave Rights to Civilian Families for Memorial Days

Israel has passed a significant amendment to the Annual Leave Law, officially recognizing memorial days for civilian family members as part of workers' "choice days." Previously, only families of fallen IDF soldiers and terror victims were granted this right, while families mourning civilian losses such as illness, accidents, murder, or suicide had to request employer approval to use vacation days for memorial observance. The new legislation, championed by the national organization Hamanayot and Knesset members Michal Waldiger and Naor Shiri, extends this right to first-degree relatives including parents, children, spouses, and siblings.

Under the amendment, employees can use one of their two annual "choice days" to observe the memorial day of a close civilian relative without employer refusal, provided they give prior notice, typically 30 days in advance unless otherwise agreed. This change does not create additional leave days but allows existing choice days to be used for this purpose. The law applies to both public and private sectors, with some public sector workers entitled to paid choice days beyond their annual leave.

The memorial day can be observed on either the Hebrew or Gregorian calendar date, accommodating different family traditions. However, relatives beyond first-degree, such as grandparents, are not covered by this right and must still seek employer approval for leave. If an employer refuses a lawful request, employees may have grounds for legal action under labor laws.

Hamanayot's legal and social work head, Yehav Shorer, emphasized the amendment's moral and social significance, especially in light of recent national tragedies, highlighting the need for families to have recognized time and space to grieve beyond the traditional mourning period. The amendment also maintains existing rights for families of fallen soldiers and terror victims, ensuring two choice days remain available annually, one of which can be used for memorial observance.

For assistance, families can contact Hamanayot's rights enforcement unit via WhatsApp at 050-4843384.