Reso. No. _____
RESOLUTION NO. ______
RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND, CALIFORNIA
ESTABLISHING A SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CITY OF
SEBASTIA, PALESTINE
WHEREAS, the City of Richmond has a long and proud history of international solidarity, expressed through the establishment of sister city relationships with Shimada, Japan (1961), Zhoushan, China (1993), and Regla, Cuba (1999); and
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Sister Cities Program is to foster friendship, cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and cooperation across international borders, reflecting the values of peace, dignity, and community that the City of Richmond upholds; and
WHEREAS, Sebastia is an ancient town located north of Nablus in the West Bank of Palestine, situated on a hill approximately 440 meters above sea level, and is recognized as one of the most historically significant archaeological sites in the region, with continuous habitation from the Canaanite era through Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman periods to the present day; and
WHEREAS, Sebastia’s historical and cultural heritage, including its role as a regional capital in antiquity and its deep ties to Palestinian identity and resilience, provide a strong basis for cultural and educational exchange; and
WHEREAS, As of early 2025, 147 of the 193 United Nations member states recognize the State of Palestine, representing over 75 percent of the international community. The United States, however, does not; and
WHEREAS By establishing a sister city relationship with Sebastia, Richmond would demonstrate local leadership in diplomacy, solidarity, and cultural exchange at a time when such connections are needed globally; and
WHEREAS, the residents and leadership of Sebastia have expressed interest in forming a sister city relationship with Richmond, recognizing shared values of community, cultural preservation, and resilience in the face of adversity; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of a sister city relationship between Richmond and Sebastia will encourage cultural, educational, and economic exchanges, create opportunities for people-to-people diplomacy, and provide a framework for mutual support between our two communities; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Richmond, California, does hereby establish a Sister City relationship with the City of Sebastia, Palestine; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council authorizes the creation of a Richmond–Sebastia Sister City Committee to coordinate exchanges, projects, and communications between the two cities; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the City Council reaffirms Richmond’s commitment to peace, justice, and solidarity with people worldwide, recognizing the establishment of this sister city relationship as a continuation of Richmond’s legacy of international friendship and progressive leadership.
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***THE CLERK’S OFFICE WILL COMPLETE THE INFORMATION BELOW****
I certify that the foregoing resolution was passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting thereof held on Mmmm dd, yyyy, by the following vote:
AYES: AYES:
NOES:
Reso. No. _____
ABSTENTIONS:
ABSENT:
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
(SEAL)
Approved:
Mayor
Approved as to form:
City Attorney
State of California }
County of Contra Costa : ss.
City of Richmond }
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of Resolution No. _____, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on Mmmm dd, yyyy.
_______________________________________
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond