|
|
November 2, 2001/Cheshvan 16, 5762, Vol. 54, No. 8
Red Cross president resigns
SHARON SAMBER
Jewish Telegraphic Agency
WASHINGTON - Israel's exclusion from the global Red Cross organization appears to have been the pivotal factor in the resignation of the head of the American Red Cross.
Dr. Bernadine Healy said Oct. 26 that she had been forced out of her job over policy differences with her board. In particular, she noted her unpopular decision to withhold American Red Cross dues from the International Committee of the Red Cross to protest the group's refusal to give full membership to Magen David Adom, the Israeli relief group.
Contrary to reports, Healy's ouster had very little to do with the issue of how to use funds collected for the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to an official at the American Red Cross.
Healy had taken the lead on what she termed a "controversial but principled stand" supporting Israel's demand for membership in the international organization. Healy advocated withholding American Red Cross dues to the international group until the Israeli branch was included. Magen David Adom currently has only observer status.
Israel's humanitarian relief movement has been barred from the Red Cross movement, which allows only the red cross and, in Muslim countries, the red crescent. Israel insists on keeping its red Star of David.
Israel's exclusion has been a long-standing point of contention between the American Red Cross and the international bodies.
The exclusion generally is attributed to intense lobbying against Israel from Arab and Muslim members of the International Red Cross. Officially, the reason given is that allowing the Star of David might encourage other groups to press for inclusion of their emblems as well.
Healy said "reasonable people have differed with me on this ... but this is an area of deep principle for me not easily compromised."
On Oct. 27, however, the American Red Cross voted to keep current policy, passing a resolution affirming its commitment to Magen David Adom's struggle.
|
