Partnering Cities: Berlin and Tel Aviv Unite for a Future of Tolerance and Progress
Berlin and Tel Aviv formally establish sister-city relationship, signifying increased cooperation and mutual understanding between the two cities. - Cities of Berlin and Tel Aviv Form Cooperative Alliance
In an innovative move aimed at fostering a shared future rooted in historical responsibility and contemporary geopolitical solidarity, the German city of Berlin and the Israeli metropolis of Tel Aviv are set to enter into a partnership. Berlin's Mayor, Kai Wegner (CDU), and Tel Aviv's Mayor, Ron Huldai, will seal the agreement at the Red City Hall on Monday, May 5th.
The partnership emerges as a testament to the cities' vibrant similarities, with both Berlin and Tel Aviv attracting young people, artists, and innovators from across the globe. Wegner shares, "With this partnership, Berlin and Tel Aviv, despite our distinct historical backgrounds, are setting a stellar example for tolerance, diversity, unity, and humanity."
Berlin, a city steeped in history as the origin of the Shoah, bears a unique responsibility and commitment towards Israel and the protection of Jewish life. Wegner stresses, "Berlin was the city where the Shoah was planned and carried out, necessitating a strong commitment towards Israel." Accomplishing 60 years of diplomatic relations, this partnership expands Tel Aviv's existing ties with other German cities, including Cologne and Frankfurt.
The partnership comes at a defining moment, against the backdrop of the Middle East conflict and the ongoing Gaza war. This latest conflict arose after the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7th, 2023, causing the deaths of 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages.
In addition to Berlin, partner cities for Berlin include Brussels, Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Kyiv, London, Los Angeles, and Peking. Berlin's partnership with Moscow is currently inactive due to Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
The cities' shared values and commitments form the basis of this agreement. This partnership is set to focus on combating antisemitism through cultural and educational exchange, strengthening relations, and promoting shared democratic ideals. It will serve as a beacon of unity and progress, signaling Berlin and Tel Aviv's resilience and commitment to a better future for the next generations.
- Berlin's Mayor, Kai Wegner, emphasizes the city's unique responsibility towards Israel given Berlin's history as the origin of the Shoah, stating, "Berlin was the city where the Shoah was planned and carried out, necessitating a strong commitment towards Israel."
- In an effort to combat antisemitism, the partnership between Berlin and Tel Aviv will focus on cultural and educational exchange, as well as promoting shared democratic ideals.
- The agreement between Berlin and Tel Aviv, signed by Mayors Kai Wegner and Ron Huldai, aims to set a stellar example for tolerance, diversity, unity, and humanity.
- The 19th May 2023 will mark the signing of the partnership between Berlin and Tel Aviv, a move motivated by historical responsibility, geopolitical solidarity, and the shared values of both cities.
