This week MDA UK was privileged to host H.E. Dr Mohammed Al-Hadid, President of the Jordan National Red Crescent Society (JNRCS), at events across Manchester, London, Ireland and Paris.
It was an honour to be joined by friends of MDA – both new and old – throughout the week, including the President of Ireland Michael Higgins, valued Patrons, our Director of Blood Services, Professor Eilat Shinar, and supporters in Paris.
Dr Al-Hadid was the longest serving Chair of the Standing Commission of the Red Cross and Red Crescent – the organisation’s highest body – and in 2004 spearheaded the accession of Magen David Adom into the international movement. To hear him reflect on how he’s seen humanitarian need rise above political differences time and time again – and see the response from those who attended – was inspirational.
This speaks to the heart of what we do at MDA – choosing humanity over politics in our mission to save more lives. It’s a principle we proudly stand by, and one Dr Al-Hadid is bringing to life through the strong foundations he has built for collaboration between MDA and the JNRCS – seen by many as a model for Israel’s engagement across the region.
Through people like Dr Al-Hadid, a Muslim from an Arab nation, we are being given an opportunity to promote all that is great about the State of Israel and give others a new perspective. On Tuesday, at a lunch hosted by MDA’s President Lord Reading with the Jordanian Embassy in London, I spoke with diplomats from around the world about how JNRCS and MDA can work together across borders to meet the ongoing humanitarian need. I left feeling hopeful, struck by the words of Dr Al-Hadid: “We are all part of one family – the family of the Red Cross movement.”
MDA is an important vehicle for showcasing the very best of Israel, and I thank each of you for helping us to achieve that.