Tel Aviv and Berlin become twin cities, reflecting strong German-Israel ties

Germany's capital, Berlin, and the Israeli metropolis Tel Aviv have become twin cities, the mayors of each city announced on Sunday.

Tel Aviv mayor Ron Huldai stated that he is "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."

Looking ahead, he predicted the newly established partnership would increase the promotion of "shared values, historical responsibility, and a commitment to a better future for the next generations."

Huldai praised Berlin’s mayor Kai Wegner as a “true friend of Israel,” specifically mentioning Wegner’s solidarity visit to Israel following the Hamas massacre on Oct. 7, 2023. 

"Since October 7, he visited Tel Aviv to express his solidarity and 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," Huldai revealed. 

Berlin's mayor also welcomed the partnership with Tel Aviv, arguing that it would enhance the ongoing fight against antisemitism in German society and beyond. 

In 2024, Wegner told the news outlet Jüdische Allgemeine that he is a "friend of Israel and a friend of Jewish life here in Berlin." He also commented on the similarities between Tel Aviv and Berlin. 

"The way of life is very similar: Both cities are diverse, colorful, and young; there is a lively cultural scene, a diverse nightlife, and a very successful start-up and digital economy."

Following his visit to Israel after the October attack, Wegner praised the "strength and courage of the people in Israel, who, despite the difficult situation, radiate great confidence."

German Ambassador to Israel Steffen Seibert described the partnership between Tel Aviv and Berlin as the “perfect match.” 

"Tel Aviv and Berlin - a perfect match based on our common values of freedom and democracy. Both a little rough around the edges, both brimming with vitality, both nowhere near the end of their dreams and potential," the German envoy argued. 

The German Senate Chancellery stated that the Tel Aviv mayor is scheduled to visit Berlin on May 5 for the official signing ceremony between the two twin cities.

Germany has emerged as one of Israel’s strongest allies in the European Union and has backed the Jewish state’s right to defend itself against the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies.

In January 2024, Germany announced that it would defend Israel against the false “genocide” charges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Berlin emphasized that Israel is defending itself and that it is the Iranian-backed terrorist organization Hamas that has genocidal ambitions against the Jewish people. 

"On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists brutally attacked, tortured, killed and kidnapped innocent people in Israel,” the German government stated. “Hamas's goal is to wipe out Israel. Since then, Israel has been defending itself against the inhumane attack by Hamas."

Germany has in recent years absorbed a large number of migrants from Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East, where antisemitism is rampant. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in antisemitic incidents in German society. 

In March 2024, Germany announced that it would include questions on Jews, the Holocaust and Israel in its citizenship test in its battle against antisemitism. 

“Antisemitism, racism, and other forms of contempt for humanity rule out naturalization,” German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated at the time. “Whoever does not share our values, cannot receive a German passport. We have drawn a crystal-clear red line."