Story perspectives

Hackney Council Votes to End Haifa Twinning, Green Majority

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hackney Council voted on 28 July 2026 to begin terminating its 1968 twinning with Haifa.
The Green Party, with 42 of 57 seats, passed the motion as a manifesto pledge.
A six-member cross-party group led by Councillor Sam Mathys will review all five twinning links and report by 28 January 2027.
Labour and Conservative councillor Simche Steinberger and Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg each condemned the decision as divisive, ignorance and bigotry.

History

Historical Context

The 1985 Heysel Stadium disaster, which killed 39 spectators and triggered an indefinite ban on English clubs in Europe, sparked nationwide debate over institutional responsibilities. That climate of scrutiny resurfaced in 2024 when Hackney Council ended its 1968 twinning with Haifa, echoing earlier municipal actions that questioned overseas links and public pressure.

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Story summary

Hackney Council voted on 28 July 2026 to begin terminating its 1968 twinning with Haifa.
The Green Party, with 42 of 57 seats, passed the motion as a manifesto pledge.
A six-member cross-party group led by Councillor Sam Mathys will review all five twinning links and report by 28 January 2027.
Labour and Conservative councillor Simche Steinberger and Board of Deputies president Phil Rosenberg each condemned the decision as divisive, ignorance and bigotry.

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