Knesset advances bill extending legal recognition to those engaged to fallen servicemembers

The Knesset Labor and Welfare Committee approves a bill extending legal recognition to the fiancees and fiances of fallen servicemembers for its second and third readings in the Knesset plenum.

The legislation grants those engaged to fallen servicemembers the same benefits as spouses for a period of five years, including monthly compensation and therapy.

It will also apply to those engaged to police officers, prison guards, members of the Shin Bet, Mossad and civil defense organizations as well as victims of hostilities.

While couples who have already submitted applications for marriage registration will be automatically recognized, those who have not will be required to present proof of their intention to marry such as the purchase of a wedding ring or social media documentation of an engagement party.

The bill is expected to be brought to the Knesset plenum for final approval on Wednesday.

Speaking with the committee, Noa Rubin, whose fiancee Ariel Reich was killed in Gaza, asks, “How can you continue to live? At the moment of engagement, you make an everlasting covenant. How could it be that in the moment of truth my country is not behind me because I don’t have a wedding ring on my finger? How can it be that they let us deal with this burden alone?”

“I can’t carry everything on my shoulders alone,” she says.

“It is inconceivable that a young woman who was supposed to wear a wedding dress in a week and stand under the chuppah is here today,” responds Yesh Atid MK Meirav Cohen. “She lost the love of her life… Now is the time to lend a hand to this group.”

Lauding the bill, chairman Yisrael Eichler (UTJ) states that it will “put an end to discrimination and help brides in their difficult time.”