DERBY is set to become a 'sister city' with Hebron, Palestine.

 

The decision to set up the link was made after a visit to Palestine for seven days last autumn by the Mayor of Derby, Councillor Fareed Hussain.

He said he had a keen interest in fostering an education link between the two cities.

 

This could mean ties between schools and universities in Derby and Hebron such students from primary schools speaking to one another over the internet.

The Mayor said: "I am delighted and proud to have set up the sister city relationship with Hebron because it will improve the quality of life of residents in both cities, particularly the education of children and young people.

 

"I was inspired by my visit to Hebron last year and this relationship will build on the council’s commitment to develop community cohesion locally and internationally."

 

The move, which is expected to be confirmed by the council's cabinet next Wednesday, would not be a formal twinning arrangement like those Derby already has with Osnabruck, Germany, and Toyota, Japan.

 

Instead the links would be through a "memorandum of understanding".

 

This will propose "a cultural, political and economic exchange based on the shared values of tolerance and respect".

 

A report drawn up for the cabinet meeting says the "the Sister City relationship will foster greater cultural understanding between the citizens of Derby and Hebron. The relationship will promote shared experiences based on culture, sport, social development and tourism".

 

Hebron has a population of about 250,000 residents, similar to the population size of Derby.

 

The proposal will cost the council nothing and Mr Hussain's delegation was paid for out of his own pocket.

 

Hebron is a hot bed of controversy in the region and is divided into two sectors: H1, controlled by the Palestinian Authority and H2, roughly 20% of the city, administered by Israel.

 

The Israeli military control of H2 is in order to protect some 500 to 800 Jewish residents living in the old Jewish quarter.