The international convention for twin towns and municipal organizations which has been carried for the past decades has become a much appreciated tradition. As part of the 60 years to Israel and 70 years to Local Authorities Center celebrations, the ceremony was held at Jerusalem on the 9th -12th of March and was an extremely festive event.
The tradition began at Israel 30th and the Local Authorities Center's 40th celebrations, as an event emphasizing solidarity, unity and companionship with the State of Israel and the international efforts of the local authorities in Israel.
This year 900 people participated in the event, 765 of whom from 46 other countries, particularly noticeable were participants from Germany, Poland, China, USA, Russia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Croatia and Kazakhstan.
The Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, The Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni, the Minister of Internal Affairs Meir Shitrit and the Minister in charge of connecting between the government and the Kneset (Israeli parlament) and the chairman of the minister's committee marking 60 years of independence, Ruhama Avraham.
The convention will include six discussion groups on municipal topics and ceremonies at Ya'ar Hashalom and Yad Vashem, Even Shalom project will also take place. The convention will conclude with the joint declaration of all the participants, calling for cooperation, dialogue and companionship between the nations.