Magen David Adom in Israel, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the American Red Cross are among the Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies in 191 countries around the world.
On Thursday, April 11, the American Red Cross presented its International Humanitarian Service Award to Magen David Adom in Israel (MDA) and the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in a ceremony at its national headquarters in Washington, D.C.
The days and months since October 7 have brought immeasurable heartbreak and endless devastation. In Gaza and Israel, both national Red Cross societies continue to heroically provide lifesaving services amid gunfire, rocket attacks and bombings. Sadly, volunteers and employees from both national societies, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross, have lost their lives while aiding civilians during the hostilities. The American Red Cross supports the vital work of these dedicated humanitarians and grieves those killed while helping others.
The International Humanitarian Service Award recognizes an individual or group whose work exemplifies or inspires the humanitarian values of human dignity, respect, compassion and the protection and assistance implied in the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
In Israel, Magen David Adom provides first aid and emergency medical services as well as blood donation services to all hospitals in Israel. Teams are supporting the transfer of patients from facilities near the hospitals to the center of the country. The organization is also supporting evacuated communities and working on preparedness and first aid training with the public.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society provides ambulance services and medical teams throughout the West Bank and Gaza. PRCS also manages two hospitals in the Gaza Strip. However, one has ceased operations due to damage. The other continues to treat patients in challenging conditions. In collaboration with the Qatar Red Crescent Society, the organization has set up a field hospital in Rafah. PRCS also has a mandate to receive and distribute humanitarian aid in Gaza and has provided thousands of trucks worth of medical supplies, food, water, hygiene products and essential household items to displaced families.
The ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza is devastating for many. The American Red Cross mourns the tens of thousands of lives lost and continues to support the work of the global Red Cross Movement. From the start of hostilities, through the present day and beyond, Red Cross and Red Crescent teams remain committed to helping those who need it most.
Magen David Adom in Israel, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and the American Red Cross are among the Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies in 191 countries around the world. These national societies share a central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination. Together, they reach 160 million people every year.
Please join the American Red Cross in recognizing the selfless bravery and unwavering humanity of Magen David Adom and the Palestine Red Crescent Society.
For more information, read the American Red Cross statement on the Israel Gaza conflict.
The global Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement consists of three different parts – the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and individual national societies like the American Red Cross. Each plays a unique role, working independently and in support of one another to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The ICRC is the lead Red Cross Red Crescent entity in conflict zones, helping to ensure that humanitarian law is followed during armed conflict and providing humanitarian protection and assistance for victims amid violence.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
