The Knesset has recently approved a significant amendment to Israel's Annual Leave Law, expanding workplace rights for employees who have lost a close family member.
The amendment, promoted by Hamaniot – The National Organization for Children Who Have Lost a Parent, Widows, and Widowers, together with members of Knesset Michal Waldiger and Naor Shiri, marks an important step toward recognizing the ongoing needs of bereaved civilian families.
Under the new law, eligible employees may now use one of their statutory "Elective Leave Day" for the memorial anniversary of a first-degree family member, without requiring their employer's approval, provided they meet the conditions set out in the legislation.
Who Is Eligible?
The right applies to employees who have lost a first-degree relative: A parent, a spouse, a child, a sibling.
What Has Changed?
The amendment does not create an additional vacation day.
Instead, it allows employees to designate one of the two existing statutory Elective Leave Day days specifically for the memorial anniversary of a first-degree family member.
Can an Employer Refuse?
No.
As long as the employee complies with the legal requirements and provides advance notice as the law requires, the employer cannot refuse the request to use the personal elective leave day for this purpose.
How Much Notice Must Be Given?
In general, employees should notify their employer 30 days in advance, unless a collective labor agreement or individual employment contract provides for a shorter notice period.
Providing written notice and keeping a copy for your records is recommended.
Can the Memorial Be Observed According to Either the Hebrew or Gregorian Calendar?
Yes. The law does not specify which calendar must be used. Families may observe the memorial according to either the Hebrew date or the Gregorian calendar date, in accordance with their personal or religious tradition.
Does the Amendment Apply to the Private Sector?
Yes. The Annual Leave Law applies to employees in both the public and private sectors.
In most workplaces, the Elective Leave day is deducted from the employee's annual vacation entitlement. However, some collective agreements or individual contracts provide the Elective Leave day as additional leave day beyond the statutory minimum.
What If I Have Lost More Than One Immediate Family Member?
Israeli law provides two elective leave days per year. These days remain subject to the existing statutory limit, even if an employee has lost more than one first-degree relative.
Does the Law Cover the Memorial Day of a Grandparent?
No. The amendment applies only to first-degree relatives.
Employees wishing to attend a grandparent's memorial may request annual leave in accordance with their workplace's existing policies and regular leave days.
What Should You Do If Your Employer Refuses?
If you have complied with the law and your employer nevertheless refuses your request:
- Submit your request in writing.
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Seek advice from a labor law professional or attorney if necessary.
- Widows, widowers, and children who have lost a parent may also receive free guidance from Hamaniot's Rights Advocacy Department.
Why This Amendment Matters
Hadar Kass, Founder and CEO of Hamaniot, said, "For thousands of families across Israel—especially widows, widowers, and children who have lost a parent—the annual memorial day is one of the most emotionally challenging days of the year. For many, it is simply impossible to concentrate, perform at work, or carry on as if it were any other day.
This amendment provides more than legal certainty. It offers humane recognition that grief does not end after the "shiva" or even after the first year of mourning. It enables families to honor the memory of their loved ones with dignity, without having to ask their employer for special permission or repeatedly explain the circumstances of their loss."
Need Assistance?
Hamaniot's Rights Advocacy Department provides free guidance to families who have lost a parent or spouse, helping them exercise their rights before government ministries, the National Insurance Institute and public authorities. The organization also works to advance legislative and policy reforms that improve support for bereaved families across Israel.
Widows, widowers, and children who have lost a parent are welcome to contact Hamaniot's Rights Advocacy Department for free information and assistance via WhatsApp: +972-50-484-3384.
Yahav Shorer is an advocate and social worker, head of the Rights Advocacy Department