For the first time ever, Magen David Adom in Israel (MDA), in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation), is hosting an International Youth Exchange attended by 35 representatives from Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies from America, Bulgaria, Denmark, Jordan, Norway, Uganda, and the United Kingdom, and MDA.
During this International Youth Exchange the participants will share their knowledge and expertise in various fields related to humanitarian disasters and multi casualty events. The International Youth Exchange, which takes place in Netanya, will last two weeks. The aim of the International Youth Exchange is to show through demonstrations given by each National Society the important role youth volunteers play in disaster response and disaster preparedness, for example, in relief distribution, and psycho-social activities to assist and sustain the most vulnerable. Participants will also learn the basic first aid gestures so highly recommended to save lives that will be facilitated by MDA. Last but certainly not least, the participants will have an opportunity to become more familiar with the fundamental principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the work of the Movement in disaster response and preparedness. MDA’s Executive Chairman, General (Ret.) Yochanan Gur, states that he considers the first course held in Israel of having great significance, and as being yet another gate to the integration of MDA, Israel’s National EMS, into the international community and it’s recognition by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The graduation and diploma ceremony will take place on Thursday, September 9, 2004 at 17:30 at the „Green Beach” resort in Netanya.
