Barnet Council is set to explore a potential twinning relationship with the Israeli city of Haifa, following a decision made during a Council meeting on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
The proposed twinning would focus on cooperation in key areas such as healthcare, education, and interfaith best practices. Discussions will explore potential cooperation between healthcare organisations in both locations, including professional, academic, and institutional links. Opportunities for collaboration between higher education institutions in Barnet and Haifa will also be investigated. Furthermore, the council aims to share best practices in interfaith dialogue, involving faith leaders and community organisations from both cities.
Barnet Council noted similarities between the two cities, including their diverse populations and significant Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities. Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, has a population that is 72.3% Jewish, with significant Arab Christian and Muslim minorities, and a tradition of power-sharing between its communities. Barnet Council, which has the largest Jewish population in the UK, also has substantial Christian and Muslim communities.
Haifa previously had a civic twinning relationship with the London Borough of Hackney since 1968, which was due to end on October 14, 2026, following a decision by the Green administration. No other previous twinning relationships for Barnet were mentioned.
Barnet Council officers will now examine the potential benefits, costs, governance arrangements, and practical requirements associated with such a partnership. They will report back to the next ordinary meeting of the council, as stated in the public reports pack for the meeting Public reports pack 20th-Oct-2026 19.00 Council.
The motion to explore a twinning relationship with Haifa specifically mentions cooperation in healthcare, education, and interfaith best practices. No other sectors or initiatives for cooperation were explicitly mentioned in the provided text.