Connect your city with Israel through a twin city partnership to promote cooperation, cultural exchange, and joint development projects.

Background

Twin cities (sister cities) agreements are a long-standing global practice that links municipalities worldwide. Israel has hundreds of such partnerships with cities and local authorities across the globe.
These partnerships focus on shared interests, concrete projects, and initiatives that bring tangible benefits to residents.

Objectives of Twin City Partnerships

Israeli local authorities establish twin city agreements to promote collaboration in areas such as:

  • Municipal economic cooperation

  • Trade and business development

  • Urban management and governance

  • Environmental sustainability

  • Tourism

  • Culture and the arts

  • Science and advanced technology

  • People-to-people connections and community engagement

  • Youth exchanges and student exchanges

  • Sports

How to Establish a Twin City Agreement

1. Contact the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel

International cities or municipalities interested in a twin city agreement should first contact David Feldman, Project Coordinator for the International Affairs Division at the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel. He will help identify a suitable Israeli municipal partner that aligns with your city’s interests.
Email: [email protected]

2. Identify Mutual Interests

Once a partner city in Israel is identified, the local authority will assess its goals and determine the areas it wants to focus on through the partnership. This involves consultations with department heads and relevant professionals, including external experts, to identify challenges, opportunities, and areas for collaboration.

3. Develop a Cooperation Plan

After goals are set, both cities discuss potential projects and cooperation topics. The goal is to create a practical work plan with measurable outcomes that delivers visible benefits for residents rather than remaining “on paper.” Once cooperation topics are agreed upon, they are submitted for approval by the mayor and local council.

4. Draft the Agreement

Following approval, a principles document is prepared for signature, formalizing the twin city partnership. Sample agreements in Hebrew and English are provided by the Federation of Local Authorities in Israel. These samples are flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of both cities.

5. Signing the Agreement

The signing ceremony can be hosted by either city and should include the mayors or heads of municipalities. The agreement can also be signed online if travel or scheduling is not possible. It is recommended to document and publicize the event via media and social platforms to raise public awareness, strengthen both parties’ commitment to the partnership, and highlight operational and measurable projects that benefit residents.

6. Implementation and Follow-Up

Each municipality appoints a dedicated contact person to coordinate activities, monitor progress, and report on implementation. This ensures that the partnership is active, productive, and delivers tangible results for both communities.

 

Start Your Partnership Today
Cities interested in partnering with an Israeli municipality should contact:

David Feldman
Project Coordinator, International Affairs Division
Federation of Local Authorities in Israel
Email: [email protected]