New York, NY, April 18, 2000 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today called on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to admit without delay Israel’s equivalent relief services organization, the Magen David Adom.

"We call on the International Red Cross to immediately accept Israel as a full member," said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "We commend the ICRC for finally starting to work out a formula to clear the way for the admittance of its Israeli counterpart after a 51-year wait. Israel should have to wait no longer as the process to find a new emblem continues."

A proposal that could clear the way for the admittance of Magen David Adom was discussed at a meeting of governments and Red Cross representatives in Geneva last week.

While the red cross and the red crescent are recognized emblems of the ICRC, the Swiss-run relief organization has refused to include Magen David Adom’s red Star of David. The current ICRC proposal is to frame the Star of David in a new diamond-shaped emblem. The American Red Cross, which has pushed for the Magen David Adom’s acceptance, argues that Israel should be admitted while the debate surrounding the new emblem continues.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.