International Red Cross Adopts New Emblem,
Opens Door to Israeli Participation

(December 8, 2005)

The 192 signatories of the Geneva Conventions approved a new “red crystal” emblem, paving the way for Israel to join the International Red Cross after nearly six decades of exclusion. The decision was originally expected to be by consensus, but that became impossible when Syria made last minute demands for humanitarian access to Syrian citizens in the Golan Heights. Nevertheless, the new emblem was approved by a majority of ICRC delegates.

The decision will allow Israel's equivalent of the Red Cross, Magen David Adom (MDA), to become a part of the movement. MDA's Star of David emblem, which it will continue to use in Israel, is still not accepted by the ICRC, but it will use the new crystal emblem in combat zones outside Israel.