A special Israel Defense Forces committee overlooking the military's death notification procedures submitted a list of recommendations to the head of the Manpower Directorate Tuesday in an attempt to prevent families from finding out about the death of a loved one on social media.
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The committee suggested, among other things, establishing direct communication with unofficial outlets and distributors of information, as well as opinion leaders on social media, and providing them with first-source accurate and reliable information. It also suggested withholding sharing details of serious events with the public before the families are informed.
In addition, it proposed including social media workshops for IDF soldiers in basic training, as oftentimes, it said, the soldiers of the unit are the ones who start sharing information online, leading to rumors.
The committee stressed that "families come first," and cautioned against informing next of kin late, or in a botched matter, warning that it might lead to additional psychological damage, besides the grief of losing a loved one.
The recommendations are subject to approval by Manpower Directorate Chief Maj. Gen. Yaniv Assur and IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ran Kochav, and later IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
The document was drafted by IDF officers, including those who lost family members in the military.
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