Settlers urge return of Star of David to W. Bank ambulances

Settler leaders urge ministers to annul 2005 agreement with the ICRC not to use the star outside the state's boundaries.

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
Magen David Adom ambulances 311 (photo credit: Reuters)
Magen David Adom ambulances 311
(photo credit: Reuters)
Samaria settler leaders urged ministers on Monday to annul a 2005 agreement with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement not to use Magen David Adom’s red Star of David logo on ambulances outside of the boundaries of the State of Israel.
On Sunday, the Ministerial Legislative Committee delayed by a month a request by MK Uri Ariel (National Union) to ensure that all ambulances in Judea and Samaria carry the red Star of David logo.
Magen David Adom spokesman Zaki Heller said that his organization had 14 stations with ambulances bearing its logo in Judea and Samaria.
“Those who think this isn’t true should just look out their window,” said Magen David Adom spokesman Zaki Heller.
The issue, however, first came to light this summer when Magen David Adom stripped all community ambulances throughout the country that are not fully owned by them of the its logo and replaced it with a star inside a diamond.
Samaria Regional Council head Gershon Mesika and Samaria Citizens’ Committee head Benny Katzover have claimed that this action is aimed specifically at Judea and Samaria settlements, whose community ambulances also lost the red Star of David logo.
Katzover said that it is part of Israel’s agreement not to use its logo over the pre-1967 line. He and Meskia asked ministers to restore the logo to all ambulances.
“One type of blood should not be discriminated against from another,” Katzover said.
Until the matter is settled, he and Mesika have asked people to donate blood through Israeli hospitals rather than Magen David Adom.
Heller, however, insisted that his organization continues to fully service Judea and Samaria. Magen David Adom joined the International Committee of the Red Cross in June, 2006.