developing· Economy· Updated
National Insurance to Pay Benefits: Landmark Ruling After 20 Years
The Tel Aviv Regional Labor Court has recognized a stage fall by singer Yirmi Kaplan during a 2006 performance in Jerusalem as a work accident, nearly 18 years after the incident occurred. The ruling, delivered by Judge Tomer Silora alongside public representatives Aharon Konforti and Yael Peled, overturned a denial by the National Insurance Institute.
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What happened
- 01The Tel Aviv Regional Labor Court recognized singer Yirmi Kaplan's 2006 stage fall in Jerusalem as a work accident.
- 02Kaplan filed his claim in 2024, nearly 18 years after the incident, citing a prior lack of awareness of his rights.
- 03The National Insurance Institute rejected the claim in 2025, arguing Kaplan's energetic performance constituted voluntary risk-taking.
- 04The court ruled that jumping and dancing on stage are integral to Kaplan's professional work as a performer.
- 05Kaplan suffered neck and upper back injuries after tripping over a guitar stand at a Jerusalem bar on December 4, 2006.
- 06The court ordered the National Insurance Institute to pay Kaplan 5,000 shekels for his legal expenses.
The accident took place on December 4, 2006, at the Open Bar in Jerusalem. Kaplan, now 65, tripped over a guitar stand while dancing and jumping on stage, sustaining injuries to his neck and upper back. Although he completed his short performance, he subsequently sought medical and chiropractic treatment.
Kaplan did not file his claim with the National Insurance Institute until 2024, explaining the delay was due to a lack of awareness of his rights. The institute rejected the claim in 2025, arguing that Kaplan's energetic stage movements constituted voluntary risk-taking and that the incident was not proven to be work-related.
The court rejected the institute's arguments, ruling that Kaplan's dynamic performance style is an integral part of his professional work. Based on testimony from Kaplan, his production manager, and his guitarist, as well as medical records from the time, the court ordered the National Insurance Institute to recognize the incident and pay Kaplan 5,000 shekels in legal costs.
Summarized by baba from the reports of 3 newsrooms. Updated
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