More Than Half of Senate Call for MDA's Immediate Membership With Emblem
Sens. Fitzgerald and Clinton Lead Effort to End Exclusion
Senator Peter Fitzgerald (R-Illinois) and Senator Hillary Clinton (D-New York) today called on the International Red Cross to end the exclusion of Magen David Adom (MDA) and recognize the humanitarian society as a full-voting member with its emblem. In an unprecedented demonstration of broad, bipartisan support, Senators Fitzgerald and Clinton announced that more than half of the Senate joined them in signing letters sent today to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Federation in Geneva and Secretary of State Colin Powell, calling for the immediate and full recognition of MDA.
Gerry Jones and Senator Hillary Clinton following the press conference on Capitol Hill. |
During a joint press conference at the Capitol, both senators applauded the American Red Cross for leadership on this issue and for its unwavering support for MDA.
Dr. Bernadine Healy, president and CEO of the American Red Cross and Mort Zuckerman, Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, were invited to participate because of their efforts in support of MDA.
Gerry Jones, Vice President of International Services, representing the American Red Cross, thanked Senators Fitzgerald and Clinton for their leadership and commitment to resolving this longstanding injustice. "The American Red Cross appreciates the tremendous support of the Senators who have signed the letters," he said. "The growing support and concrete efforts of our colleagues in the Senate are building the momentum necessary to get results.
"Inclusion of MDA is a matter of principle and reflects quintessentially American values," he added. "The American Red Cross has been steadfast in its longstanding support for recognition and full voting membership of the Magen David Adom in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement."
Senator Fitzgerald, who has taken a strong stand on this issue said, "Magen David Adom saves lives and provides emergency assistance to people in many countries, regardless of ethnicity or religion, yet it is the only national emergency relief society to be excluded from the world's largest humanitarian network," said Fitzgerald. "The ICRC, the Federation, and the entire Movement stand to gain by admitting MDA as a full and equal partner."
Senators Fitzgerald and Clinton field a question from reporters as Gerry Jones listens in. |
Last October, the US Senate unanimously passed a resolution sponsored by Senators Fitzgerald and Lieberman (D-Connecticut) and 22 other co-sponsors calling for the ICRC to immediately recognize and the Federation to immediately grant MDA full voting membership. But a promise of a safety net by December 31st 2000 never materialized. More than eight months later MDA remains relegated to second-class status and there has been no movement on this issue for some time.
Senator Clinton followed, "It is high time for MDA to be admitted as a full voting member to the Movement and for its emblem, the Red Shield of David, to be recognized internationally," Clinton said. "We want to make clear that this is an issue that will not go away. From both sides of the aisle, this is an issue we care about and we will follow up on."
Mr. Zuckerman spoke directly about the continued exclusion on MDA. "It is a form of discrimination. This must end."
Letter to Jakob Kellenberger, president, International Committee of the Red Cross
PDF file
Letter to Dr. Astrid N. Heiberg, president, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
PDF file
Letter to The Honorable Colin Powell, secretary, Department of State
PDF file
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