Magen David Adom: The Integration of Zionism into International Humanitarian Law
Zoom Webinar
The complex relationship between Zionism and international humanitarian law is powerfully illustrated through the struggle for recognition of the Red Star of David (Magen David Adom) as a medical neutrality symbol. Despite extensive efforts, the symbol faced significant challenges in gaining international recognition from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).This case study demonstrates the broader challenges of balancing a Jewish-Zionist-national identity with international humanitarian standards, and represents one aspect of the unique ethos of the IDF’s medical corps and its humanitarian efforts around the world.
The program is presented by the Koret Center for Jewish Civilization; please contact tal.g@koretcenter.org with any questions.
Trauma and Healing in Israel Today
Join Penn’s Katz Center, the Weitzman Museum, and the Koret Center for Jewish Civilization for an online lecture series exploring contemporary issues related to health and medicine in Israel. Throughout its history, Israel has earned a reputation for innovation and advancement in medical science, and placed a special focus on public health as part of the state-building enterprise. Learn from experts about how Israeli practitioners and scholars are responding to new challenges including pandemic, trauma, medical advances, and more.
Featuring
Y. Michael Barilan
Tel Aviv University
Y. Michael Barilan is a practicing physician, expert in internal medicine, and professor at Tel Aviv University’s school of medicine. His focus of research is the intersection between the social history of medicine and medical ethics. His books include Human Dignity, Human Rights, and Responsibility: The New Language of Global Bioethics and Biolaw (MIT Press) and Jewish Bioethics: Rabbinic Law and Theology in Their Social and Historical Contexts (Cambridge University Press). He was the academic advisor to the first workshops on ethics by the International Commission of Military Medicine (Switzerland), and published and collaborated in the fields of military ethics and ethics in disaster medicine.
Cosponsors
This series is co-presented by the Katz Center, the Weitzman Museum of American Jewish History, and the Koret Center for Jewish Civilization together with Tel Aviv University and ANU–Museum of the Jewish People. The Katz Center gratefully acknowledges support for the series from the Goldhirsh-Yellin Foundation, the Klatt family, and the Harry Stern Family Foundation.