Governing Mayor of Berlin Kai Wegner and Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo Ron Huldai today (Monday, 5 May 2025), in Berlin, signed a new Twin Cities agreement, as part of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Germany and Israel, and in light of the longstanding friendship and cooperation between the two cities. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Israel’s Ambassador to Germany, Ron Prosor.
Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ron Huldai: “Here today, in Berlin, we are signing a new alliance—an alliance between vibrant cities full of life, culture, and innovation. Young Tel Aviv and historic Berlin are cities whose landscapes bear scars—deep and complex ones. And yet, they are both committed to upholding liberty, democracy, and tolerance.
There are many ties between Berlin and Tel Aviv—historical, cultural, artistic, ancient and modern. But the agreement we sign today is not about the past. It is about the future. About shared values, above all the respect for humanity and liberalism.
On October 7th, a year and seven months ago, we in Israel faced one of the most severe crises in our history—a crisis that has yet to end. My friend, Mayor Wegner, I thank you for your unwavering support, and that of your coalition partners, since the horrific massacre of October 7.
Your courageous and ongoing fight against antisemitism is a symbol of true friendship.
You declared that the Israeli flag would remain above Berlin’s City Hall until all the hostages are home. That is a genuine commitment to humanity—one that Tel Aviv shares with Berlin. We will never forget it. Thank you. Together, we will continue to call: Bring them home now!”.
The visit of the Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo to Berlin and the agreement signing are part of the events marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between Israel and Germany, as well as the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.
Later this week, Mayor Huldai is expected to address the Parliament of the City of Frankfurt, as part of the Victory in Europe Day commemorations.
The city of Tel Aviv-Yafo has signed cooperation and friendship agreements with many cities around the world and maintains fruitful partnerships with leading global cities. Berlin now joins Tel Aviv-Yafo’s partner cities in Germany: Cologne, Freiburg, Frankfurt, Essen, and Bonn.
