THE RED CRYSTAL.....

Did you spot that the the world's best-known humanitarian organisation, the Red Cross, has adopted a new emblem? The Red Crystal joins the Red Cross and the Red Crescent as the protective sign for relief workers recognised under the Geneva Convention. For years Israel demanded recognition under the convention for the red Star of David, the emblem used by its relief society, but Arab states refused. The Red Crystal offers a "neutral emblem" to any country which objects to the cross or the crescent on religious grounds. I have to say that upon reflection I see this as a cop-out by the Red Cross. I also fail to see why the Red Crescent is permitted by the Red Star of David is prohibited. Arab intolerance, indulged by the far from neutral Red Cross, I'm afraid.

My thanks to the eagle-eyed ATW for the story!

Comments

[juan]

This symbol came out months ago, the National Alliance were complaining it was an ancient Norse symbol and 'dem joows' were trying to steal it.

the red cross ? aren't they the medical brigade the Hez' ?

[smcgiff]

Shouldn't it be known as the Red Diamond?!?

[alison]

The first recognised relief work was undertaken by christians i always thought - hospital comes from hospitaller etc etc . So wouldnt the thought of sharing wonderful ideas such as these across the borders in 2007 be a nice concept? shouldnt recognition be given where it is due and wouldnt this be a way of encouraging understanding?

[Devorah Goldburg]

This is Devorah Goldburg of the American Red Cross. I just want to clarify a couple of points for this discussion.

The new Red Crystal emblem is equal in status to the existing Red Cross and Red Crescent and provides an additional protective emblem for use in conflicts where the existing Red Cross or Red Crescent may be perceived as having cultural, religious or political connotations. It is false to say that Magen David Adom (MDA) cannot continue to use the Star of David -- MDA will continue to use its existing emblem within Israel, and may use the Star of David internationally as well by placing it within the Red Crystal. For more information on this topic, please visit http://www.redcross.org/mda/.

[David Vance]

Devorah,

Thank you for that clarification!