Derry - Bethlehem twin in show of support

Derry and Strabane are to twin with the town of Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank of Palestine.

The move follows a Motion brought before January’s full meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council by Cllr Catherine McDaid (SDLP).

The Motion read: “This Council notes with grave concern the ongoing loss of life in the tragic war in Palestine. It notes that the ongoing genocide in Gaza is completely abhorrent and that the impact of the Israeli occupation is being felt right across the region, including in the West Bank.

“This Council commits to contacting the local authorities within Bethlehem and to start the process of twinning Derry and Strabane with Bethlehem city, to show our support to the people of the region and to develop our relationship with Bethlehem in order to develop links for education, culture and economy.”

Opening the discussion, Cllr McDaid branded as “completely unacceptable” the “murder of more than 26,000 innocent civilians” in Palestine since October 7, 2023. 

Action ‘Ending Violence Against Women and Girls' - Derry council

‘There can be no place for tolerance for sexism and misogyny’ - Cllr Cáitlin Deeney

She added: “But, this war didn’t start on October 7 last year. It started 76 years ago when Israel accelerated its expansive occupation of Palestine.

“Israel has been systematically invading Palestinian land since 1948 and this recent genocide we are witnessing, in real time, on TV and on social media, is just the most recent element of the Israeli ambition to wipe out Palestine and settle on all Palestinian land.

“Political and military leaders in Israel have confirmed this is their goal. This is ethnic cleansing. In this city, we understand and empathise with the people of Palestine. We know what it is like to live under occupation and we know only too well the devastating impact of violence committed by an occupying army.

“Although all eyes are on Gaza at the minute, the Israeli army continues to carry out raids, drop bombs and force more and more people from their homes in the West Bank. 

“Church leaders and the City Council in Bethlehem decided in November to abandon festive celebrations as a mark of solidarity with the people of Gaza. Many people living in Bethlehem have links to Gaza through family, whether they are Muslim or Palestinian Christian. This was a huge decision and will have impacted every aspect of the religious practices, economy, livelihoods and tourism, but the Council knew it needed to happen,” said Cllr McDaid.

Praising Bethlehem Council, Cllr McDaid said she admired its “strength, solidarity and selflessness”. 

“I think there are people in this country that need to take a leaf from their book, put their heads above the parapet and call out this genocide for what it is and call for a ceasefire,” said Cllr McDaid.

She added: “If we pass this Motion, it will demonstrate on a global stage that Derry and Strabane and indeed Ireland recognise the plight of the Palestinian people.

“It sets an example of moral standing to the world,” said Cllr McDaid.

Seconding the Motion, Cllr Aisling Hutton (Sinn Féin) said this was a good time to be twinning with Bethlehem. 

“We would be building a relationship with the people of Bethlehem and them having the confidence to know that the world is listening, and our Council making them aware we are listening.

“The people of Gaza and Palestine are showing resilience. This will also build on their resilience. We have so much in common with the people of Palestine. This  really strong message of solidarity is welcomed and thanks to Cllr McDaid for bringing it forward,” concluded Cllr Hutton.

Cllr Shaun Harkin said in the West Bank, before October 7, the number of illegal settlers went from 200,000 to 700,000. 

“This was making it very clear to Palestinians that they were going to be deprived of their land. They were being ethnically transferred. I think it is right to broaden out the focus to what is happening in the West Bank.” 

Opposing the twinning of Derry and Strabane with Bethlehem, Ald Niree McMorris (DUP) asked if it would require councillors “to ignore the lack of basic freedoms endured by the population of Bethlehem living under the Palestinian Authority?”

She added: “According to the Global Monitor, Freedom House, the territory governed by the Palestinian Authority, of which Bethlehem is a part, is classed as ‘Not Free’.

“The Palestinian Authority governs Bethlehem in an authoritarian manner, engaging in acts of repression against journalists and political opponents.

“In contrast, Israel is classed as a ‘Free Country’ by Freedom House. A country which grants political rights and civil liberties to its citizens.”

Voicing support for the Motion, Cllr Gary Donnelly (Independent) said: “We in Ireland know what it is like to have that solidarity and how appreciated it is.”

Challenging Ald McMorris, Cllr McDaid said she would question the former’s sources.

“I would encourage everyone to look up Freedom House and see what they are related to and see what they stand for.”

The Motion to twin Derry and Strabane with Bethlehem was subsequently passed.