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The American Red Cross and Magen David Adom
Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel's first aid and disaster
relief organization, finally became a full
member of the International Red Cross in June 2006,
after 58 years of rejection. MDA was not accepted
because it uses the Star of David as its symbol, which
was not recognized by the Geneva Conventions.
American support for MDA's inclusion came from a
number of U.S. Presidents and many members of the
U.S. Congress. This issue was a top priority of the
American Red Cross as they advocated tirelessly on
MDA's behalf. To protest MDA's rejection, the American
Red Cross withheld dues to the International Red Cross
for seven years (a total of $42 million).
MDA's admission was based on the adoption of a third
neutral international symbol, the "Red Crystal."
MDA will be allowed to use the Star of David when
operating in Israel, while in foreign countries, the
Star of David will be placed inside the Red Crystal.
MDA has served in crisis spots around the world alongside
the American Red Cross and other international bodies,
bringing emergency relief to victims of natural disasters,
terror attacks and other tragedies. MDA shares its
expertise with the international community- including
cutting edge technologies, life saving methods in
mass casualty events, and scientific innovations.
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