Despite decades of conflict in the Middle East, the leaders of the Israeli and Palestinian national Red Cross societies successfully collaborate to put humanity above politics, which they described at a breakfast conference on Nov. 21 at UCLA hosted by the American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles and UCLA’s Center for Near Eastern Studies. 
Dr. Noam Yifrach, chairman, Magen David Adom (MDA, the Red Cross Society of Israel), and Mr. Younis Al Khatib, president, Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) were in Los Angeles after receiving the American Red Cross Humanitarian Prize in Washington D.C. which “recognizes individuals who exhibit extraordinary bravery and dedication to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.”
The two national societies, which are responsible for all ambulance services and other health care services in their conflict-torn region, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Nov. 2005. Due to the remarkable efforts of the Prize recipients, the two national societies were officially admitted to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 2006. In the case of MDA, their admission marked the end of 58 years of exclusion. In the case of PRCS, it marked the first time a Palestinian organization appointed by the Palestinian Authority enjoys standing equal to organizations appointed by internationally recognized governments.
A year ago, five PRCS ambulances were allowed to begin operating in East Jerusalem to serve the Palestinian community. Mr. Al Khatib described the excellent communication between the two organizations and how the MDA steps in when necessary to negotiate with the Israeli government on its behalf.
“Our agreement is that the humanitarian imperative comes above everything else,” said Al Khatib. “Noam is a brave man — he was instrumental in making our agreement possible.”
As part of the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles chapter is affiliated with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the world’s largest humanitarian network. The Movement is neutral and impartial, providing protection and assistance to people affected by disasters and conflicts. Unified and guided by seven Fundamental Principles —humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality — the Movement is comprised of three components: The International Committee of the Red Cross; The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies; 186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
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Photo: Celebrating the historic collaboration between the Israeli and Palestinian National Red Cross Societies are: (l to r) Dr. J. Nicholas Entrikin, acting vice provost, UCLA International Institute; David Meltzer, senior vice president, American Red Cross International Services; Hedihe Abaei, American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles International Services specialist; Dr. Noam Yifrach, chairman, Magen David Adom (the Red Cross Society of Israel); Mr. Younis Al Khatib, president, Palestine Red Crescent Society; and Paul Schulz, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Los Angeles.
Tags: humanitarian prize, magen david adom, palestinian red crescent society
