Hackney Reconsiders Twinning with Haifa | London News

Hackney’s council is poised to end a 60-year twinning pact with Haifa, Israel, amid mounting pressure over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and a UN report accusing Israel of genocide. While the partnership once included vital hospital exchanges now paused since the pandemic, critics argue severing ties is a moral stand against “racist domination” and violations of international law. Opponents call the move “performative” and warn it could undermine dialogue, noting Haifa’s diverse, progressive leadership. Green Party councillors, however, insist the alliance with a military port city contradicts anti-racist values, especially as they seek to combat rising antisemitism. A new working group will explore peacebuilding and climate-focused twinning models, with a final decision expected later this year — exposing deep fractures over Palestine’s crisis. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/3f6907fd5d4ca392