Panoramic view of Tel Aviv

Listen to AFI Director Simon McIlwaine interviewed by Tovia Singer on Israel National Radio, 25 Jan 2006. (24 mins.)


Magen David Adom finally accepted

We are pleased to report that the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has finally voted to include Israel’s Magen David Adom as a full member despite efforts to block the Israelis. A press release from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs states:

Israel welcomed today (22 June) the decision of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, taken last night, to include Israel’s Magen David Adom as a full member of that organization. Thus, an historic injustice which endured for over 57 years has been finally redressed.

Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni and the ministry staff spearheaded the successful effort to block the longstanding opposition to the acceptance of the MDA, led by the delegations of the Arab states. Indeed, of the 291 delegations casting votes last night, 237 supported the MDA’s acceptance, while only 54 delegations were opposed.