When divorced parents cannot agree on an important decision about their child’s life, sometimes it is the court that must decide for them. This is exactly what happened to the parents of a 16-year-old girl who turned to the Family Court in Jerusalem to determine whether she could travel to Poland with her class.
The mother wanted to allow her daughter to join this well-known and meaningful educational trip. The father strongly objected. He argued that the girl was particularly sensitive and that the experience might cause her severe emotional harm—especially after the events of October 7, which had already shaken her deeply. Additionally, he claimed that the global security situation and rising anti-Semitism made the trip dangerous.
According to their divorce agreement, any trip abroad required the written consent of both parents. When the mother approached the father to get his approval, he refused to respond. As a result, she filed a motion asking the court to authorize the trip without his signature.
What Did the Judge Decide?
The Judge appointed a guardian ad litem who met with the teenager. The girl clearly expressed that she understood the emotional complexity of the trip but felt she had the strength to cope and very much wanted to participate like every other student in her class. She described the journey as “an experience she was not willing to miss.”
In her decision, the judge wrote that she gave significant weight to the girl’s sincere and clear position, as well as to her belief in herself and her ability to handle the experience.
The father’s claims of health and psychological risks were not supported by any concrete evidence. Likewise, the general claim about security threats and antisemitism was not proven.
The Outcome?
The court authorized the teenager to travel to Poland on her own with the school group, and the mother was permitted to issue her a passport without the father’s signature. The father was also ordered to pay 1,000 shekels in legal expenses.
What Can We Learn from This Case?
When there are profound disagreements between parents about educational matters—especially regarding significant trips—the court carefully considers the child’s best interests and, in some cases, gives substantial weight to the mature wishes of the child.