The Knesset Plenum today (Tuesday) approved in its second and third readings the proposed law for families of soldiers who fell in battle. The proposal, supported by 11 Knesset members without opposition, includes increasing the allowance for an orphan residing with a divorced parent or another person from 5,535 NIS to 8,500 NIS. Additionally, the proposal includes extra benefits and grants for individuals caring for an orphan of a deceased person who is neither a widow nor a widower.
Example for Illustration
The compensation of an ex-spouse of the deceased with three children, which stood at 8,191 NIS, will increase to 13,069 NIS per month, and a grant of 68,292 NIS will be given. Additionally, for orphans from two parents, the compensation will also be updated and will rise to 8,500 NIS per month until age 25.
Additional Benefits for Divorced Parents Previously Unavailable
- Housing or mortgage assistance of 2,500 NIS per month for three years from the date of the deceased’s death.
- Assistance in purchasing a vehicle for the orphan worth 52,866 NIS.
- Psychological treatment for the divorced parent until the last orphan reaches the age of 30.
- Eligibility to be absent from work on Memorial Day.
“We Have Done Something Big and Important”
MK Ofir Katz, the initiator of the proposal, highlighted its importance, saying: “An orphan is an orphan, and it’s our duty to ensure they receive all the support and rights they deserve, regardless of their parents’ status. We’ve done something big and important.”
Moran Assouline, the ex-wife of Lior Assouline, who perished in Nova, called the amendment a “historic change” and added: “People don’t understand what we go through and how great our difficulty is. Everything falls on us. Finally, we are seen; it is blessed and important, a small comfort amid the great pain. We are sincerely grateful for this change.”
