Canada has come out in full support of Israel’s position on the Magen David Adom (Red Shield of David) emblem, Defense Minister Barney Danson has told the Canadian Jewish News. The decision to support Israel’s position to have the Magen David Adom emblem accepted by the international governing body of the Red Cross was arrived at by the External Affairs Ministry, Danson said.
Alan Rose of Montreal, executive vice-president of the Canadian Jewish Congress, said “I am delighted Canada has joined the U.S. and Australia in taking this stand.” Moshe Ofer, spokesman of the Israeli Embassy in Ottawa, called the move “gratifying,” adding, “We would have expected it from Canada.”
Herb Levy, B’nai B’rith District 22 executive vice-president, said his organization appreciated and acknowledged Canadian government support in regard to the issue of recognizing the Israeli emblem. However, he continued to deplore the attitude of the Canadian Red-Cross for its failure to support the full recognition and admission of Magen David Adom “within the context of Canadian Red Cross’ right to express its views.”
The Canadian Red Cross has only stated that if the problem of the emblem was solved it would welcome Magen David Adom “if it chooses to apply and assume all the responsibilities of membership.”
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