After 57 years the International Red Cross has finally accepted Israel as a member according to Reuters - see here.
From what I understand one of the main sticking points was that the Red Cross would not accept the Magen David as an emblem. It has now allowed Israel the symbol pictured here.
The American Friends of Magen David Adom says here:
On June 21st, Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s first aid and disaster relief organization, is expecting to finally become a full member of the International Red Cross after 57 years of rejection. The irony of this long overdue decision is that the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS) will only be allowed membership if Israel is allowed membership.
A lack of official recognition has not prevented MDA from fulfilling the Jewish and humanitarian mandate of pikuach nefesh, saving lives both in Israel and around the world. On a yearly basis MDA serves the needs of nearly 600,000 Israelis with its fleet of ambulances while providing 98% of all blood needs for the society.
Thanks to Ralph Zwier of ICJS (well worth a visit)
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