Hackney Council’s Decision to Sever Links with Israeli City Criticised for Fueling Antisemitism Concerns

A contentious alliance between an East London borough and an Israeli city may soon come to a close, marking the end of nearly sixty years of partnership. The Green-led Hackney Council has initiated the process to formally terminate its twinning arrangement with Haifa, a relationship that began in 1968 with the aim of fostering friendly interactions and exchanges among local residents.

In the wake of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, calls for the dissolution of the ‘sister cities’ partnership have intensified. Following accusations from various organisations, including Amnesty International, alleging that Israel has committed serious violations in the Gaza Strip, the Green Party vowed to discontinue the arrangement should they gain control of Hackney in the recent May elections. With their recent electoral victory, the new administration is now moving forward with plans to end this long-standing connection.

Community Reactions to the Proposed Termination

This proposed termination has provoked immediate backlash, with critics arguing that it risks exacerbating divisions within the community and could be perceived as antagonistic towards the Jewish population. Members of the Hackney Anglo-Israel Friendship Association (HAIFA) and former Speaker of Hackney, Linda Kelly, have described the plans to de-twin as “absolutely disgraceful”. They expressed concern that the new councillors should focus their efforts on pressing local issues such as education, SEND funding, policing, the NHS, and housing, rather than politicising a relationship that they believe should remain non-political.

Local resident Asher Eisen added that de-twinning would be “a real kick in the teeth for the progressive forces in Israel”. Martin Sugarman, Chair of HAIFA, further asserted that this move would lead to significant social discord and be interpreted as inciting hatred towards Jews, Zionists, and Israelis. He warned that it could encourage anti-Semitic behaviour in the community.

Next Steps for Council Consideration

During the forthcoming full council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, members will consider plans to “engage with the municipality of Haifa and other interested parties” and to conduct an equalities impact assessment. The council is also suggesting the formation of a cross-party working group, led by a senior councillor, to review the borough’s twinning policy with a view to officially ending the relationship with Haifa.

Documents from the council indicate that the working group is expected to convene three times and will present its recommendations for a vote by the full council at a later date. Over the years, the connection between Hackney and Haifa has primarily involved hospital exchanges, particularly between Homerton Hospital and Rambam Medical Centre, a practice that has been largely dormant since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Calls for Broader Action Against Israeli Policies

Meanwhile, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) is advocating for the complete severance of all civic ties between the two municipalities. They assert that such actions are necessary to protest against what they describe as the “racist domination” faced by Palestinians and to oppose Israel’s military occupation and actions. The PSC also points to the role of arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, which has its global headquarters in Haifa, as a contributor to these alleged violations of international law.

Since October 7, 2023, the PSC, alongside the Green Party and other activist factions, has been pressing the former Labour administration in Hackney to end the twinning arrangement and withdraw the council’s pension fund investments from companies linked to Israeli military operations. Former Mayor Caroline Woodley declined to pursue these actions, citing concerns about inflaming community tensions and claiming that the council did not possess the authority to divest.

New Direction Under Green Leadership

With the Green Party’s ascent to power in May, new Mayor Zoë Garbett has engaged with the PSC and committed to initiating the divestment of the council’s pension fund by excluding firms “complicit in territorial human rights violations”. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has sought comments from both the Green Party and the Labour Party, but both have opted to refrain from comment until a decision is reached by the full council.

In the interim, a proposal for Mayor Garbett to reach out to the Mayor of Haifa to discuss the intended termination of the twinning arrangement will be presented for a vote at the full council meeting on July 28.