Richmond council eyes forming sister city relationship with ancient Palestinian town

The Richmond City Council will vote on a resolution to establish a sister city relationship with Sebastia, Palestine, at its meeting on Tuesday. Mayor Eduardo Martinez co-sponsored the resolution and an online petition supporting the initiative, which has gathered over 300 signatures from local residents. The proposed partnership aims to promote cultural exchange and foster educational, artistic, and economic collaboration between Richmond and Sebastia. Council members Claudia Jimenez and Soheila Bana also support the resolution, indicating strong backing from local officials. Richmond has a notable history of sister city relationships, including partnerships with Shimada, Japan; Zhoushan, China; and Regla, Cuba.

The Richmond Progressive Alliance and the Bay Area Palestinian Youth Movement have voiced their support, highlighting the importance of local action in response to international issues. Sebastia serves as a cultural hub in the West Bank, with an economy focused on agriculture and tourism. The RPA emphasized the urgency of addressing the ongoing crisis faced by the Palestinian people, urging local residents to advocate for peace and diplomacy.