RESOLUTION NO. 126-25
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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Reso. No. 126-25
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 August 26, 2025, by the following vote AYES: Councilmembers Bana, Jimenez, Robinson, Wilson, an Mayor Martinez
NOES: Vice Mayor Zepeda.
ABSTENTIONS: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Brown.
PAMELA CHRISTIAN
CLERK OF THE CITY OF RICHMOND
Approved: (SEAL)
EDUARDO MARTINEZ
Mayor
Approved as to form:
DAVE ALESHIRE
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. 126-25, finally passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Richmond at a regular meeting held on August 26, Pamela Chrst.
Pamela Christian, Clerk of the City of Richmond
Reso. No. 126-25