The Knesset Plenum approved the Israeli Sign Language Recognition Bill in its second and third readings last week. The proposal, initiated by MKs Avichai Boaron and Hili Tropper, passed with the support of six MKs and with no opponents or abstentions.
The new law enshrines the status of sign language and grants it official recognition by the state. According to its provisions, the Minister of Culture and Sports is designated as responsible for its implementation. At the same time, the state authorizes the Academy of the Hebrew Language to act officially to preserve, develop, and promote Israeli Sign Language.
The explanatory notes to the bill state: “Israeli Sign Language serves as the primary language and means of communication and message transmission between deaf and hard-of-hearing people in Israel who use it. In addition, Israeli Sign Language is part of the identity, culture, and pride of the deaf community in Israel. The purpose of this bill is to recognize Israeli Sign Language as the natural language of deaf people in Israel.”
MK Tropper commented on the approval of the bill in the plenum: “We reached this moment thanks to the ability to cooperate between the opposition and the coalition. These are difficult days for the people of Israel, but there are moments of grace, and this is one such moment.”
Former MK Shirly Pinto called the move a "historic day for the State of Israel." According to her, the official recognition of the law is a victory for justice, equality, and accessibility: "The time has come for every citizen to feel a sense of belonging and accessibility in Israeli society."