People enjoy the beach in Tel Aviv, Oct. 5, 2024. Photo by Avshalom Sassoni/Flash90.
Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner on Monday announced the establishment of a Twin Cities partnership. The agreement marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Germany and reflects the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two cities.
“Tel Aviv and Berlin share democratic values and maintain numerous cultural, social, and economic ties. Both cities are vibrant and dynamic, attracting young people, artists, and startup entrepreneurs from around the world,” according to a statement released by the Israeli Government Press Office.
The official signing ceremony is to take place in Berlin on May 5.
“I am pleased to announce the establishment of a Twin Cities partnership with Germany’s capital, Berlin—a partnership based not only on historical memory, but also on the values of democracy, freedom, and tolerance, which are so crucial in the world today,” said Huldai.
“Kai Wegner is a true friend of Israel. Since [Hamas’s] Oct. 7, [2023, massacre] he visited Tel Aviv-Yafo to express his solidarity, expressed full support for Israel’s right to self-defense, and declared that the Israeli flag would remain raised over Berlin’s City Hall until all hostages return,” he added.
“We are strengthening our ties with Berlin through understanding that strong partnerships are built on shared values, historical responsibility, and a commitment to a better future for the next generations,” continued Huldai.
Berlin now joins Tel Aviv’s other partner cities in Germany: Cologne, Freiburg, Frankfurt, Essen and Bonn.
Source: JNS
