Geneva vote paves the way for MDA Red Cross membership
December 8, 2005

Recognizes a new, crystal-shaped symbol for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The Diplomatic Conference of all states party to the Geneva Conventions voted yesterday in Geneva to recognize a new, crystal-shaped symbol for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement that willl enable the admittance of Magen David Adom - Israel's rescue, first-aid, and blood supply organization - along with the Palestine Red Crescent Society. Israel was the only state in the world that was not a member of the international lifesaving organization.

The adoption of this Third Additional Protocol of the Geneva Conventions enables MDA to continue to use its traditional red Star of David symbol in Israel and the territories. It will, however, use the red star inside a red diamond-shaped border on relief missions abroad, and can use an empty diamond frame whenever MDA staffers feel the star symbol places them at risk abroad.

The signing of an agreement between the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Magen David Adom (MDA) on November 28 contributed to the successful outcome of the Conference. Under the terms of the agreement signed by MDA chairman Dr. Noam Yifrach and his counterpart at the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Younis al-Khatib, MDA recognizes the PRCS's right to care for Palestinians in the PA-administered territories, while the PRCS recognizes MDA's right to treat Israeli citizens in Israel and the territories. In addition, both parties agreed to install a hot line between their respective dispatching centers and Yifrach also promised to assist the PRCS in case its ambulances are delayed at security checkpoints.

The signing of the Third Additional Protocol marks the end of the diplomatic process. The Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has decided to call an International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 2006 to amend the statutes of the movement, taking into account the creation of the new emblem, in order to realize the objective of universality.

Magen David Adom Chairman Dr. Noam Yifrach said Israel's membership in the Red Cross will improve MDA's service within Israel and will allow access to international funds and medical knowledge.

FM Shalom welcomes ICRC decision
(Communicated by the Foreign Minister's Bureau)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Silvan Shalom today welcomed the decision of the International Red Cross to adopt a new, neutral emblem.

"During the past three years I have pushed hard to end the historic discrimination which prevented MDA from joining the ICRC. Now, due to Israel's active efforts, the way has finally been paved for MDA to be accepted into the International Red Cross."

"The vote on this issue also reflects Israel's improved international standing in recent years. Israel can today promote initiatives in the international arena more freely and more effectively than it has been able to for many years. This is yet another achievement for Israel's diplomacy, joining a long list of other successes in recent months."