Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (left) discussed the city partnership with his counterpart Ron Huldai during his visit to Tel Aviv in February last year. (Photo - Handout)
漏 dpa
Tel Aviv and Berlin become twin cities. This was announced by the Senate Chancellery.
"I am extremely pleased," said Berlin's Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU). "We can now deepen the long-standing and cordial connection between the two metropolises and fill it with even more life."
Following intensive talks with Tel Aviv's mayor Ron Huldai and other representatives of the city on the Mediterranean, a town twinning agreement has been reached. It is to be signed during Huldai's visit to Berlin on May 5. "Through the exchange between the people, we will jointly counter the growing anti-Semitism," said Wegner. "Berlin was the city where the Shoah was planned and carried out." Berlin therefore has a special responsibility and obligation towards Israel and to protect Jewish life in Berlin.
"Especially in these challenging times, we are setting an example for diversity, cohesion and humanity." Wegner said that Berlin and Tel Aviv have a lot in common socially, historically, culturally and economically. "Both cities are characterized by dynamic development and are places of attraction for young people, artists and start-up founders from all over the world." Wegner had already discussed the possibility of a city partnership with his counterpart Huldai during a visit to Tel Aviv in February last year. Berlin has 18 city partnerships to date, for example with Buenos Aires, Istanbul, Kiev, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Warsaw and Beijing.