Red Cross Awards Inaugural Humanitarian Prizes

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 20 Nov 2008 - 9:00 PST

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Recognizing the achievements of individuals who have tangibly improved life and living conditions in one of the world's most challenging regions, the American Red Cross, in partnership with The Atlantic, announces the first annual American Red Cross Humanitarian Prize. Younis Al Khatib, President, Palestine Red Crescent Society, and Dr. Noam Yifrach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Magen David Adom in Israel, will be honored at a luncheon in Washington, D.C., on November 18, 2008, with scheduled remarks by Dr. Condoleezza Rice, U.S. Secretary of State, and Dr. Judea Pearl, President, Board of Directors, Daniel Pearl Foundation.

"Younis Al Khatib and Noam Yifrach have exhibited extraordinary bravery and dedication to the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement," said American Red Cross Chair Bonnie McElveen-Hunter."They serve as a remarkable example of what is possible when individuals place differences aside to achieve a higher purpose in the name of brotherhood."

Al Khatib and Yifrach will each receive the Prize and accompanying award in recognition of their historic work in establishing a formal, ongoing collaboration between their two organizations and creating a more thoroughly integrated humanitarian response to the needs of Palestinians and Israelis. Due in large part to their efforts, the Palestine Red Crescent Society and Magen David Adom were officially admitted to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in 2006.

"It's a terrific honor to help the American Red Cross launch this historic prize, and we at The Atlantic are privileged to be associated with these visionary leaders," added Elizabeth Baker Keffer, President, Atlantic LIVE."In doing so, we hope to shine a light on courageous actions around the globe and inspire others to embrace the causes of peace and humanitarianism."

Younis Al Khatib is the President of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS). President Al Khatib is also a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Arab American University in Jenin, and Chairman of the Board of the College of Ability Development in Khan Younis.He was first exposed to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement during his studies in England, where he volunteered for the British Red Cross.Al Khatib began his career with PRCS in Egypt in 1984 as a hospital director.He became the head of the Planning Department in 1991 and remained in this position when he moved with PRCS to the Palestinian Territories in 1994.Al Khatib became general director of PRCS in 1996.

Dr. Noam Yifrach has been Chairman of Magen David Adom's Executive Committee since 2003.A public health expert, Yifrach has worked as deputy director of the Ministry of Health for special duties, and as senior assistant to the minister of health.

The American Red Cross Humanitarian Prize is steered by an Executive Committee including former Secretaries of State Madeleine Albright, Dr. Henry Kissinger and General Colin Powell, USA (Ret.), along with David Bradley, Muhtar Kent, Dr. John J. Hamre, David Harris, Walter Isaacson, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter and David Rubenstein.

The Prize's sponsors include Rhoda and David Chase, Donna and Stuart Farber, Samie and Houda Farouki, Gary and Glen Greenberg, Marcia and Alan Lazowski and Hani Masri.

About the American Red Cross Humanitarian Prize

The American Red Cross Humanitarian Prize represents the highest honor awarded by the American Red Cross. The annual prize recognizes the achievements of one or more individuals who exhibit extraordinary bravery and dedication to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality. The Peace Prize will bring critical support and attention to individuals who have tangibly improved life and living conditions in the world's most challenging regions.

About The Atlantic

Since 1857, The Atlantic has played a central role in shaping the national debate on current affairs and cultural trends-including coverage of many issues such as health, development, disaster response, conflict, and education that lie at the heart of the American Red Cross legacy. Dedicated to bold, independent, diverse, and highly reasoned perspectives, its writers, bloggers, and critics represent the best in American journalism. The Atlantic's award-winning commentary and coverage can be found in its magazine, on its website at http://www.theatlantic.com, and at 100+ events a year produced by its industry-leading events division, Atlantic LIVE.

American Red Cross