A delegation from the municipality of Beit Sahour participated in the Third International Biennale in Romans - France
The most important activities were the participation in the 8th of May celebration, which coincides with the anniversary of the liberation of France from Nazi occupation, and the Global Village Day, in which each delegation gave a special presentation on its city in terms of location, history, culture and politics as well as the most popular products that are produced in the city. There was a display of Palestinian traditional hospitality and the delegation also introduced a documentary film about the city and talked about various civic activities including a detailed presentation on current and future projects. A press conference was arranged that was attended by representatives of all participating cities where they presented an overview of the history of their municipalities and the prospects for mutual cooperation with the Municipality of Romans. This was followed by an open discussion between the journalists and participants. This year’s Biennale also included a Youth Football Tournament made up of teams of young people of 12-14 years old from each city. The Beit Sahour Municipality Team finished fifth among eight teams and was awarded two Cups, one for being the Ideal team and the other for Friendship. The players were hosted by several French families during their stay in the city, which contributed to enriching the social and humanitarian experience for our children. Furthermore, meetings with other cities and towns especially Varese - Italy, Zlin - the Czech Republic, Straubling - Germany and Coalville - England have resulted in the greater understanding of the conditions in Beit Sahour in particular and the reality in Palestine in general. The cities of Straubling - Germany and Varese - Italy have showed a special interest in cooperating with our municipality to coordinate visits in the near future. |
A delegation from the municipality of Beit Sahour composed of the Mayor, Mr. Hani Al- Hayek, the Council Member, Eng. Hussam Salsa, the Municipality Engineer Nabeel Boulos and the Director of Internal Relations, Ms. Naila Al- Hayek participated in the third Biennale in the city of Romans - France, which has been twinned with the Municipality of Beit Sahour since 1996. The delegation participated in several activities along with the other cities that have twinning relationships with the city of Romans, including the cities of Vardenis - Armenia, Varese - Italy, Zlin – the Czech Republic, Straubling - Germany, Coalville - England, Zadar – Croatia, El Jem - Tunisia and Taroudannt – Morocco. 
In addition, several meetings were held in parallel to the conference with various municipal departments and representatives participating to discuss prospects for cooperation, which resulted in the creation of interest in the municipal projects in the Osh Grab Area, especially the national park which the municipality intends to establish on the site.