On March 28, 2025, Berlin’s state parliament unanimously approved a motion to establish a twin town relationship with Tel Aviv. As the capital of Germany moves to formalize its 19th city partnership, this development carries profound historical significance – and hopefully positive political and practical implications.

Germany has a unique obligation toward the Jewish people and the State of Israel. The proposal from Berlin’s parliament, initiated by the governing CDU (Christian Democratic Union of Germany) and SPD (Social Democratic Party of Germany) factions, explicitly acknowledges this responsibility, stating: “In view of the Shoah, the systematic genocide of about six million European Jews during the Nazi era, Germany bears a special responsibility towards the Jewish people and the State of Israel.“

This duty has taken on even greater significance in the wake of the brutal Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The parliamentary motion emphasizes that this responsibility must be brought “into the consciousness of urban society with a strong sign of solidarity – not only, but especially after the barbaric attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023 by Hamas terrorists.“

The proposed partnership serves as a strong symbol of solidarity and places this commitment at the forefront of Berlin’s civic consciousness. According to the motion, “This solidarity and our........

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