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Magen David Adom:
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After nearly 60 years of battling for international recognition, Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s first aid and disaster relief organization, was finally admitted to the international Red Cross federation. The decision was announced to applause in Geneva, Switzerland at the 29th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. Both MDA and the Palestinian Red Crescent were admitted simultaneously, and both members have full voting rights and receive funding for their efforts. Israel has been asking for membership into the Red Cross even before it became an official nation, but was barred from the organization because it objects to using a cross or a crescent emblem used by the other 184 members to identify its humanitarian workers. A new “neutral” symbol was adopted for Israel, the Red Crystal, which can be used during international operations in conjuction with the Red Star of David. Inside Israel, MDA will use the Star of David exclusively as it has done in the past.
With the steadfast support of the American Red Cross, who has been advocating MDA’s acceptance for years, Israel was finally admitted to the humanitarian organization after nearly six decades of exclusion. In addition, member societies at the conference voted 191-72 to reject an amendment by Muslim countries that would have challenged Israel’s “occupation of Arab territory” since the 1967 Six Day War. The motion was brought to a vote on June 21 after Arab and Muslim countries rejected all of the compromise proposals aimed at reaching a consensus on Israel’s admission. Israeli Ambassador Itzhak Levanon said of MDA’s admission: “This has been going on for 58 long years. It’s time. It’s overdue.”
According to the American Friends of Magen David Adom website, MDA responds to 600,000 calls a year throughout the country, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. MDA is committed to its continuing work with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to save lives in both Israel and in the Palestinian Territory. It has worked alongside the International Red Cross for several years and held observer status. Even while holding observer status, Israel has been able and willing to participate in vital international relief missions coordinated by the International Red Cross to countries such as India, Turkey, and the United States. Last year, it provided emergency services and relief to the Gulf Coast of the United States after Hurricane Katrina, and to several southeastern Asian nations following the Tsunami disaster.
Israel Ambassador Daniel Ayalon attended a Washington press conference hosted by AFMDA to celebrate the announcement of MDA’s admission. Also attending were Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Rep. Elliot Engel (D-NY), Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) and Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL).
Sources: American Friends of Magen David Adom; Israel21c; Anti-Defamation League; JTA
