In January 2025, the Knesset passed a law protecting bereaved families from being fired from their place of work in the first year of mourning. This law includes family members of soldiers killed in the war and victims of terror attacks. Family members are defined as spouse, parent, child, sibling, fiance and parent or guardian of an orphaned minor.
The law concerning other victims of the war was extended further. Families of hostages and former hostages, returned hostages, evacuees, spouses of active military personnel or the other parent of a child whose parent is serving, are all protected from firing.
Military personnel includes regular soldiers, reserve soldiers, police, Mossad, prison workers and those working for lifesaving organizations such as Magen David Adom and the fire department.
Unless the situation changes or the law is extended, spouses of military personnel and parents who have been unable to work due to school closures are protected until July 6, 2025. Hostages and their families are protected until December 31, 2025 and if the hostages return, the protection is valid for six months after their return date.
In the case of hostages who were killed and their funerals took place much later than the initial news of their demise, the year of mourning begins after the burial takes place. This is due to the understanding that a funeral resets the grief and that families need more time to heal.
Reserve soldiers themselves are protected from firing for 30 days after their return from service, and if the service was 60 days or longer, they are protected for 60 days (although during the second half of that period, they can be fired with a special permit). For more information, see Rights of Miluim Soldiers and their Families in the Workplace.
If you need help navigating these rights, call Zchut B’Kalut at *5922 or fill out an online form to request assistance.