Magen David Adom to be 'crystalized' (Jerusalem Post, 9/14/05)

[Coastie for Truth]

Magen David Adom to be 'crystalized'

A red diamond-shaped emblem called a "crystal" into which a red Star of David is inserted may be approved by a majority of the 191 countries who are members in the International Red Cross Movement and the national societies before the end of this year.

Late last night, diplomatic representatives of 123 countries were meeting at a "pre-conference" in Geneva to tell the Swiss government whether they would approve recognition of a neutral symbol, in addition to the Red Cross and the Red Crescent, that would give legitimacy to other countries' first-aid, ambulance and blood supply societies.

Most eager is Magen David Adom, which has observer status and has been waiting for decades for full membership.

Dr. Noam Yifrach, chairman of MDA's executive board, told The Jerusalem Post in an interview Tuesday that the Swiss government had initially insisted that the decision by participating countries be unanimous. "But they have backed down, after it was made clear to them that if the Red Cross itself were put up to a vote today, it would not be unanimous."

Yifrach said he was "more optimistic now about us getting full membership than any time in the past."

There is reported to be near unanimous backing among member organizations, including the Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian Red Crescent organizations.

One thing to be noted is that the International Red Cross movement would not display all three symbols together, but use whichever one is relevant in each situation.

[HamdenRice]

1. So all these groups will convert to New Age religions ...

ie, the worship of crystals?

[Coastie for Truth]

4. Explained at the American Red Cross National Convention

in San Francisco in May (special break out session on Friday, May 27, 2005). The emblem was selected to avoid any religious symbolism. (Including historic religions identified to present regions).

[aquart]

2. Since we now know the Red Cross is an arm of the US government...

The persistent exclusion of the Magen David Adom is pretty ugly.

[Coastie for Truth]

3. " Red Cross is an arm of the US government"

I am not sure what you mean or where you are going with "Since we now know the Red Cross is an arm of the US government" - you might want to check out another DU append where this was discussed. As a techie I find imprecision in writing very disconcerting --