A red cross, a red crescent, and now a red "crystal" are all now internationally recognized symbols for relief work.
As reported in many newspapers, including the BBC News,
A diamond-shaped red crystal on a white background is to join the Red Cross and the Red Crescent as an emblem for ambulances and relief workers.Geneva Convention member states voted by a two-thirds majority for the symbol which ends a decades-old row and opens the way for Israel to join.
Israel had been denied entry because its Red Shield was not approved.
Relief workers and ambulances bearing the Red Cross or Red Crescent symbols are protected under international law.
[...]
The Red Shield of David - or Magen David Adom - was not recognised by the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and Arab states had blocked attempts to find an alternative symbol.
The new "crystal" - a hollow red diamond on a white background - is regarded as being free from religious, national or cultural connotations.
Al Jazeera added this bit of information:
The MDA is officially unrecognised in the Geneva Conventions, signed by 192 countries including Israel, because its emblem does not conform with longstanding rules allowing only a cross or a crescent.
I'm shaking my head over this. Somehow, back in 1949, the nations that signed the Geneva Conventions thought it was okay to use two religious/cultural symbols to denote relief work. Only two. And when it comes to trying to be inclusive and permitting the relief workers of another land, another religion to join them under the umbrella of protection, they refuse because the Israelis are using a religious symbol?
"they refuse because the Israelis are using a religious symbol?"
Oh, come on, Gek.
That was just a hollow excuse to exclude Israel because it's Israel.
Screw the IRC and the Red Crescent, who routinely allow terrorists to use their vehicles to smuggle arms and terrorists in the Middle East.
Once again, Israel caves to international pressure in order to do what is right for the good of humanity. This is why I'm a damned proud Jew and staunch supporter of the only democracy in the Middle East, whether some peeps think it's racially exclusionary or not.
;o)>
Yes, clearly it was/is a hollow excuse. The hypocrisy of it stands out like a porn star's dick, and I'm just astonished the rest of the G. Convention membership are going for it.
Is there not one principled party in that group?
"Is there not one principled party in that group?"
Right up there with the UN, the EU, the Arab League (which sounds like a superhero comic book, dontcha think?), and who the hell knows what other international anti-Semitic group out there?
Good for you Mark. My brother has a gorgeous Jewish wife and together they brought another beautiful little Jewish girl into the world two months ago. She's so beoootiful. Ah is a proud Uncle, Ah iz. :-)
THE SUPERBEAST
Superbeast: I'll bet she is, and I'll bet you are!
;o)> Come by KOTGD for a visit sometime!
Thanks Mark; You're pretty damn good yourself, fella.
When I figure out what KOTGD is, Man, I'll be there. Sounds like a KGB gulag though...
Robbie, your good friend and constant companion at Gekko's beautiful blog ( extremely commodious for deigners to kick back and comport in)
Robbie Robson
KOTGD: Knocking On The Golden Door.