Sunday, November 27, 2005
This article sheds a bit more light on the Magen David Adom controversy with regard to the question of whether or not the actual Star of David symbol is going to be recognized. Sounds like it will...uh, sort of. I'm left with one question. I see that any organization, including the Red Cross or Crescent, may use the diamond in addition or in lieu of their regular symbols. It appears, though, that the Star by itself can only be used inside Israel. In other words, it is still not going to be on an equal footing with the others...almost, but not quite. I think. Not sure. Anyway...
JPost: MDA to sign deal with Palestinian Red Crescent
The red Star of David will continue to be used inside Israel, but when on international missions and for fundraising, MDA can be represented by a red star inside a red "crystal," essentially a diamond-shaped frame, or an empty red crystal when a red Star of David could jeopardize its staffers. MDA has been denied membership in the movement for nearly 60 of its 75 years of existence because of opposition by Muslim countries who used the pretext of an unrecognized symbol to keep it out.
A special session of countries that are members of the International Red Cross Movement will open on December 5 in Geneva to approve the crystal symbol, which can also be used by other national first aid and humanitarian rescue societies such as in Eritrea and Kazakhstan that do not use the Red Cross or Red Crescent symbol. Red Cross or Red Crescent societies also could use the neutral crystal if they work in areas where their usual emblem is regarded as a liability.
The need for the Palestinian society's signature was the last roadblock to MDA's international recognition in the Red Cross Movement, as Arab and Moslem countries can no longer object if the PRCS recognizes MDA, said Yifrach.