Israel authorizes first-ever maternity leave for a gay male coupleIsrael’s National Insurance Institute has authorized the country’s first-ever maternity leave for a gay male couple. Yonatan Gher, director of Jerusalem’s nonprofit Open House Pride and Tolerance organization, has received approval for a 64-day leave from work after the birth of his biological son, born to a surrogate mother in India. Gher returned to Israel with his child in November last year, and took leave from work. Earlier this month he requested that this leave be recognized by the NII, and got a positive response shortly afterwards. His partner of seven years commenced formal adoption procedures, so that the child will be formally recognized as his as well.