The leadership of Hackney Council’s Green Party has expressed intentions to terminate its long-standing twinning agreement with the Israeli city of Haifa, a relationship that has endured for nearly 60 years. This move comes amid strong criticisms directed at Israel and claims that Haifa no longer embodies the values the council wishes to promote.
In response, Haifa’s municipal leadership has emphasized the city’s unique history of coexistence amid the broader Middle Eastern context. According to Haifa officials, the city has served as a rare example of multi-faith and multi-ethnic harmony for over a century, with Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Druze, and Bahá’í communities living side by side. Local authorities underscore that this coexistence is reflected in daily life—residents attend the same schools and universities, work together, and participate collectively in civic and cultural activities.
Haifa’s representatives highlight that about 20% of the city’s population is Arab, encompassing both Christian and Muslim residents, who hold positions throughout local government. The promotion of Arabic language learning in Jewish schools and public honors for Arab cultural figures are cited as further evidence of the city’s commitment to inclusivity.
The city’s leaders also acknowledged the ongoing tensions in the region, referencing the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks on Israel, which caused significant loss of life across Israeli society. They stressed the importance of distinguishing between legitimate political critique and the blanket delegitimization of a community or society.
Haifa’s mayor extended a direct invitation to Zoë Garbett, the mayor of Hackney, urging her to visit and experience the city firsthand. The invitation is intended to encourage dialogue and understanding beyond political posturing, emphasizing the value of maintaining international connections as a means of promoting peace and cooperation.
The debate over the twinning agreement reflects broader controversies surrounding local government decisions on international relations and the complexities inherent in navigating political conflicts. While Hackney’s Greens argue the severance is necessary in light of recent events and perceived misalignments in values, Haifa’s officials advocate for engagement and exchange as tools to bridge divides rather than deepen them.