Starting this morning, thousands of orphans, widows, and bereaved families across the country began receiving significant financial supplements - both as one-time grants and as permanent additions to monthly benefits in the amount of thousands of shekels, in accordance with the provisions of the law.
Within the framework of the application:
Approximately 800 orphans aged 21-30 will receive for the first time a fixed monthly stipend of 3,651.92 NIS each.
Approximately 1,000 additional orphans aged 30-40 will receive a monthly stipend of 2,000 NIS.
Approximately 7,400 orphans aged 40 and over will receive a one-time grant of 50,000 NIS, to be paid in one or two installments.
Additionally, as part of expanding assistance to widows:
Approximately 374 widows will receive a one-time grant for loss of income.
About 250 widows with young children have already begun receiving a monthly supplement for caregivers: 6,000 NIS per month for an orphan from birth to 3 months, 3,000 NIS per month from 3 months to 3 years, and 1,500 NIS per month from 3 years to 6 years.
This is a large-scale initiative initiated by the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division of the Ministry of Defense, to expand the rights and assistance to bereaved families.
The law was built from a deep understanding of their changing needs over the years, and for the first time anchors significant financial solutions for more advanced stages in the lives of orphans - beyond the ages of eligibility that were customary in the past.
The amendment to the law, approved by the Knesset in January and implemented as of today, constitutes a major milestone in changing the State of Israel's policy towards the population of widows and orphans of the defense establishment. The law expresses a broad concept that sees accompanying bereaved families as a lifelong process and reinforces the state's commitment to providing them with an economic, personal and community safety net.
Minister of Defense Israel Katz"Today, a historic correction has begun. For many years, the orphans and widows of the defense establishment have carried a heavy burden, sometimes even with the feeling that they have been wronged. The entire Israeli people know the contribution of our fallen heroes to the security of the state and to our future here. Their families deserve to receive the full envelope - economic, personal and community, to make it even a little easier to cope with the heavy loss. Our duty is not only to remember but also to act, to accompany, and to provide a real, sensitive and just response. This move, which we led together in the Ministry of Defense, expresses the deep commitment of the State of Israel to the bereaved families, and also to the fallen, a commitment of compassion, responsibility and justice. We will continue to act to ensure that every family receives the support it deserves, not only in the moments of loss - but throughout the journey.".
Deputy Director and Head of the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division, Aryeh Mualem"Orphans of the Israeli military are sons and daughters of Israeli society, and it is obligated to care for them as parents for their children. Amendment 47 to the Law for Families of Soldiers Who Died in Action constitutes a moral and historical milestone in the State of Israel's perception of responsibility toward orphans of the Israeli military. This is a clear expression of a commitment that is not limited in time, human, ethical, and national.".
"Orphanhood does not end at the age of 30, it is a deep identity experience that accompanies a person throughout their life. The amendment to the law strengthens the ethical alliance between the state and the orphans of the fallen, an alliance of responsibility, recognition and memory, and thus anchors not only rights, but also a living and ongoing moral obligation. The department will continue to accompany, embrace, support and see to the needs of the orphans throughout their lives, from a personal, sensitive and respectful connection.".
