The Defense Ministry will propose a bill Monday that will, for the first time, standardize benefits for families of fallen IDF soldiers.

The benefits that are to be enshrined in law include occupational rehabilitation, scholarships, financial assistance, housing, medical care, psychological care, and commemoration of the fallen.

“Israeli society owes a moral debt to the fallen, and that is to support their families and commemorate the lives of the fallen,” said Defense Minister Ehud Barak as he announced the proposal. “The entire defense establishment salutes the fallen with one hand, and embraces their bereaved families with the other.”

“This law will ensure that bereaved families’ rights are upheld in the future as well,” he declared.

Until now, benefits for bereaved families have been created and maintained through internal Defense Ministry orders. Over the years the ministry has added benefits as awareness grew of new areas in which bereaved families required assistance.