Over 600 dati leumi teens have announced they will not be volunteering for Magen David Adom or donate blood to the MDA blood bank in response to the organization’s policy vis-à-vis Yehuda and Shomron. A Kippa website reports quotes the youths’ spokesperson saying “Even the left-wing extremists would not have come up with such a ridiculous move”.

A significant portion of MDA’s volunteer base comes from the dati leumi community and the announced boycott may leave the EMS provider shorthanded if the threat is actualized.

The protest petition is in response to the organization’s announcement in August 2011, stating it will remove the Red Magen David from ambulances stationed throughout Yehuda and Shomron in compliance with an International Red Cross demand. Complying with the IRC request opened the membership door to MDA, which will net the Israeli EMS $1.5 million annually. That policy decision has already been actualized.

MDA countered by explaining the move is not directed against yishuvim, explaining the logo will also be removed from a number of kibbutzim and other communities that are located elsewhere as well, no in Yehuda or Shomron.

The petition campaign was launched by the Ichud HaLeumi party, seeking to halt donations and volunteers to send a clear message to MDA leaders. Leaders of the Ichud HaLeumi young faction plan to present the petition to MDA Director Eli Bin.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)