Sen. Alfonse D’Amato (R. NY) threw his support behind an effort to gain recognition from the International Red Cross for Israel’s Magen David Adom.
D’Amato argued that other groups, like the Red Crescent in Moslem countries, have been admitted to the international organization under special exemptions from using the title and emblem of the Red Cross.
In a statement, D’Amato said, “As you are probably aware, this Israeli organization provides emergency medical services similar to those of the Red Cross. Nevertheless, Magen David Adom has been denied admission into the Red Cross family.
“Despite the fact that Magen David Adom satisfied all other requirements for admission, it continues to be denied inclusion in this umbrella organization, “D’Amato said.
Representatives of Operation Recognition, the organization lobbying for the acceptance of Magen David Adom, say that Israel has been discriminated against in its effort to join the Red Cross family. They said they hope to see some positive changes at the October International Red Cross Conference in Geneva.
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